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Firebird is more than a film. It is a survivor telling her own story in her own way. Dolma’s return to the brothel where her childhood was stolen is both personal and an act of resistance.

By casting survivors and people from her community, the film carries an honesty that cannot be staged. It invites the audience to connect emotionally, not just intellectually, with the ongoing fight against trafficking.

We aim for Firebird to move from film festivals into advocacy work and classrooms. The film is meant to spark conversation, inspire empathy, and drive action to protect childhood from sex trafficking and exploitation.

A survivor returns to
the brothel that stole her childhood to reclaim what was stolen.

I want to help the safe homes grow and more children find freedom. If sharing my story can protect even one child, not just from brothels, but from any kind of abuse, it’s worth it.

— Lakpa Dolma Tamang

Take Action

Human trafficking is an overwhelming issue, but we can make a big difference together when we all take small action steps.

Watch the Film

Grow your awareness of human trafficking by watching Firebird. Every time the film is shown, a new room joins the conversation. Reach out to bring Firebird to your community.

Host a Screening

Gather a group and use the film and discussion guide to facilitate conversations about human trafficking within your community.

Donate

Give to prevent human trafficking and help survivors find healing through safe housing, education and aftercare.

Help Spread the Word:

You can play an important role in preventing human trafficking by sharing Firebird with your community. Host a screening for your friends, family, coworkers or classroom and use our discussion guide to facilitate meaningful conversations.

Whether it's a small group in your living room or a large event on your university campus, hosting a screening and discussion is a powerful way to raise awareness within your circle of influence.

Host a Screening and Discussion

Discussion Guide

Everything you need to lead a discussion around the film:

→ Facilitator Guide
→ Discussion Questions
→ Activity Ideas
→ Action Step Ideas

Promotional Assets

Tools to help you share about the film and your event:

→ Social Media Graphics
→ Film Poster
→ Film Trailer
→ Presentation Slide

Questions about leading a screening and discussion? Email info@ally.org

Synopsis

In this true story, Firebird follows Dolma, a Nepali survivor of sex trafficking, as she travels by bus from rural Nepal to a place she never thought she would see again: the brothel in India where her childhood was stolen. The journey is not only across a border but back into her past. She recalls the promises that lured her from home, the violence that followed, and the silence she learned to survive.

Inside, the line between memory and reality blurs. Faces, voices, and rooms feel unchanged. She sees her own story in the girls who live there now and in the memory of the child she once was. In her own time there had been a single thread of hope — an NGO worker who kept visiting. She spoke words that cut through the lies and planted the belief that Dolma was worth more than what she had been told. Now, years later, Dolma walks back into the brothel in an act of defiance, determined to offer young Nepali girls the same lifeline once offered to her.

Starring Dolma and her real niece, and performed by Nepali nationals with lived experience, Firebird is a fearless act of survivor-led defiance. During production, Dolma learned that her sister (her niece’s mother) had been trafficked. The revelation made the production more than a journey into her past. It forced her to face her family’s present.

In this true story, Firebird follows Dolma, a Nepali survivor of sex trafficking, as she travels by bus from rural Nepal to a place she never thought she would see again: the brothel in India where her childhood was stolen. The journey is not only across a border but back into her past. She recalls the promises that lured her from home, the violence that followed, and the silence she learned to survive.

Inside, the line between memory and reality blurs. Faces, voices, and rooms feel unchanged. She sees her own story in the girls who live there now and in the memory of the child she once was. In her own time there had been a single thread of hope — an NGO worker who kept visiting. She spoke words that cut through the lies and planted the belief that Dolma was worth more than what she had been told. Now, years later, Dolma walks back into the brothel in an act of defiance, determined to offer young Nepali girls the same lifeline once offered to her.

Starring Dolma and her real niece, and performed by Nepali nationals with lived experience, Firebird is a fearless act of survivor-led defiance. During production, Dolma learned that her sister (her niece’s mother) had been trafficked. The revelation made the production more than a journey into her past. It forced her to face her family’s present.

FAQ

The film is rated 14+ for implied sexual violence, disturbing content and abuse. While there is nothing graphic shown on camera, the film does deal with a heavy topic and may be triggering to some viewers. We’ve done our best to tell Dolma's story in a way that is dignifying and respectful, and to make it accessible to all ages. We recommend that parents and educators watch the film first to determine whether the content is suitable for their children.

Why is the film rated 14+?

The film is just under 30 minutes long. When hosting a screening and discussion, we recommend you plan to make your session or event 1.5 to 2 hours long.

How long is the film?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. With the rapid rise of technology use at younger and younger ages, youth are especially at risk of being trafficked. Educators can offer a safety net for youth who may not know how to seek help by having conversations, building awareness and providing information about the issue. Our discussion guide features lots of content that you can adapt to suit your classroom's needs.

Can I use the film in my classroom?

Yes. The film is designed to support conversations in a variety of community settings. We recommend using the discussion guide to help prepare facilitators and create space for thoughtful conversation after the film.

Can I host a screening for my workplace, church, community group, or organization?

Human trafficking and exploitation occur in every country, including Canada. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline received over 5,900 calls in 2025. Human trafficking prevention is also a responsibility for everyone around the world as it’s included in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child; every child has the right to be free from trafficking (Article 35) and exploitation (Article 36).

If the film is based in Nepal why should we watch it in Canada?

Anytime is a good time to watch the film and have this conversation. If you're hoping to line up a screening with a larger awareness day you might want to consider The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons observed globally every year on July 30. In Canada we also observe National Human Trafficking Awareness Day annually on February 22.

When is a good time to watch the film?

Not necessarily. The discussion guide is designed to help facilitators lead the conversation, but having someone with relevant experience can be helpful for larger events or more in-depth discussions.

Do I need someone with human trafficking expertise to facilitate a screening?

Give people permission to step out, take a break, or choose not to participate in discussion. It is always advised to have a few facilitators present at the screening so that one can provide follow-up support for any participants who may have stepped outside or need for further emotional support. For larger screenings, it can also be helpful to identify local support resources ahead of time in case someone would like additional support.

What should I do if someone becomes upset during or after the film?

Before hosting a screening, consider identifying appropriate local support and referral options so you know where to direct someone if needed.

If an adult discloses, our priority is their immediate safety and well-being. Listen without judgment, avoid asking for unnecessary details, and focus on what the person needs in that moment. Offer options without pressure and give them space to decide what feels right for them. Our role is to provide agency while making sure they do not feel alone.

If someone under 18 is involved, you have a legal duty to report. This applies whether a young person discloses directly or an adult shares something about a minor. Everyone has a duty to report, not just those in specific roles like teachers or social workers. In Canada, child protection requirements are set by provincial and territorial law, and the specific requirements may differ depending on where you live and work. Always follow the legislation (BC and AB legislation) in your province or territory, your department or program’s reporting procedures, and the requirements of your specific role. If you are unsure whether something needs to be reported, seek guidance through your program or department or your local child protection authority rather than trying to make that determination on your own.