Chhakka Panja-4 dominates NEFTA award nominations

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 15: The top five nominees for the 11th NEFTA Film Awards were announced on Sunday.  Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav distributed certificates to the nominees of various 25 categories at a programme.

Chhakka Panja 4', 'Kabaddi 4', Ainaa Jhyal Ko Putali' and 'Fulbari' have dominated the nominations.

While 'Chhakka Panja 4' has been nominated for15 categories including Best Film, 'Kabaddi 4' and Ainaa Jhyal Ko Putali' have been selected for 11/11 categories. 'Fulbari' is nominated for nine categories.

 Addressing the ceremony, Vice President Yadav said that after Nepal became republic, Nepali films have got an opportunity to spread in the country and abroad. “Our films have contributed significantly to the promotion of constitutional arrangements such as secularism, federalism and inclusiveness,” he added.

Stating that Nepali films have made a big stride in terms of their market and quality in its long journey of six decades, Vice President Yadav said that the role of awards like NEFTA was important to further internationalise Nepali films.

 Pointing out the need for developing Nepal as an international filming destination, he said that collective efforts of all are necessary for this.

Film Development Board Chairman Bhuwan KC, senior filmmakers Nir Shah, Madankrishna Shrestha, Bashundhara Bhushal and other filmmakers were present at the ceremony.

 Prem Bhomjan (Pushkar Lama), president of the Film Technicians Association, said that the main objective of the award was to promote Nepali films in the foreign market and diaspora.

NEFTA, which held the previous five editions abroad, will hold this edition in Texas, USA, on July 22.