Nepal Bhasa’s first OTT platform, ‘Newa-Flix,’ has been officially launched
Cinepatra/Kathmandu
Nepal Bhasa’s first OTT platform, Newa-Flix, has been officially launched with the objective of delivering Nepal Bhasa films, music, and cultural content to global audiences through digital media. The announcement program was organized by Ilohang Entertainment at Kirtipur Cineplex.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the Nepal Film Development Board, Dinesh DC, as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Managing Director of Ilohang Publication, Nareshbir Shakya; COO Darshanbir Shakya; Chairman of Kirtipur Cineplex Narendra Maharjan; senior photographer Rajbhai Suwal; and representatives from various arts and cultural sectors. The program was chaired by Pragya Devi Shakya, President of Ilohang Entertainment.
Recalling past cultural movements, Dinesh DC said,
“There was a time when we printed pamphlets and wrote on walls saying, ‘Padmaratna yat tyaka disan, pratigami tatwa yat buka disan.’ That was the era of struggling to preserve the language. Today, the form of struggle has changed — now we must preserve our language digitally.”
He emphasized that languages and cinema that fail to connect with technology cannot survive, stating that platforms like Newa-Flix are the need of the time.
“Today’s generation is on mobile phones. Our cinema and content must reach them there. Nepal Bhasa should not remain confined within a limited circle — it must reach the global market,” he said.
Dinesh DC also shared that the Nepal Film Development Board is prioritizing the digitization of classic works such as Silu and Rajmati.
“We must preserve our historic films. Digital archives and OTT platforms are now the most effective means of preservation and promotion,” he added.
He expressed that the Board views such private-sector initiatives positively and remains ready for necessary collaboration.
“Survival alone is not enough; preserving our culture by adapting it to changing times is what truly matters,” he stated.
Nareshbir Shakya, Managing Director of Ilohang Publication, mentioned that the institution, which has been active in the publishing sector for 26 years, decided to move forward with technology in line with the times by launching Newa-Flix.
According to COO Darshanbir Shakya, the platform was developed after two years of hard work. He informed that Nepal Bhasa films, music videos, and cultural content can now be streamed via the internet and expressed hope for audience support and cooperation.
“In around 1965 (2022 B.S.), there were restrictions on Nepal Bhasa. Times have changed now. It is time to become commercially strong,” he said.
Chairman of Kirtipur Cineplex, Narendra Maharjan, stated that he is ready to collaborate if there are challenges in screening Nepal Bhasa films. Senior photographer Rajbhai Suwal remarked that film exhibition has transformed from reels to OTT platforms, marking Nepal Bhasa cinema’s entry into a new era.
According to the organizers, Newa-Flix will allow audiences who cannot reach cinema halls to watch content from the comfort of their homes. The platform carries a long-term vision of promoting Nepal Bhasa films, culture, and heritage to global viewers through digital media.
Signaling Nepal Bhasa cinema’s entry into the digital era, Newa-Flix is being viewed as a new chapter in language preservation and commercial expansion.
