a method of fabricating an apertured polymeric film . the method comprising the steps of : masking a polymeric film with a first mask having first laser transmission zones defined therein ; laser - ablating first apertures through the polymeric film using the first mask ; masking the film with a second mask having second laser transmission zones defined therein , each second zone being aligned with a corresponding first aperture , and each second zone having greater perimeter dimensions than the corresponding first aperture ; and reaming the first apertures by laser - ablating the polymeric film using the second mask , the reamed first apertures defining second apertures in the film .