The Secrets of Radha wins best feature story award

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 27: ‘The Secrets of Radha', directed by Subarna Thapa, emerged as the winner of the Best Feature Story award at the Nepal-America International Film Festival held in Maryland, USA from June 22-25. 

Meanwhile, ‘Ainaa Jhyal Ko Putali’ directed by Sujit Bidari and 'Joyland' directed by Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq received honorary awards.

In the short film category, Santosh Dahal’s ‘The Mirage’ secured the Best Short Story Film award, and ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ directed by Surya Shahid, received an honorary award.

Under the documentaries, the Best Feature Documentary award was presented to ‘Pianoman,’ directed by Sunny Wenxin Liu, and ‘Pasang: The Shadow of Everest,’ directed by American filmmaker Nancy Svendsen.

Additionally, ‘Into the Mist,’ directed by Sachin Ghimire, was honoured with honorary award.

In the Best Documentary category, the film ‘Mero Buwa,’ directed by Shrisha Kunwar and Angela Chaudhary, emerged as the winner while ‘Do Ducks Migrate’ directed by Midhun G Babu, received an honorary award.

Notable accolades outside of specific film categories included the Empowerment Award presented to the Oscar-nominated film ‘Coming Out with the Help of Time Machine,’ and the Freedom of Expression Award was granted to ‘Where the winds die.’ The winning films were selected out of the 37 films representing 11 different countries at the festival, informed the organiser. 

The screenings took place at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and Old Greenbelt Theater in Maryland.

Purna Singh Baraili, president of the Nepal-American Film Society, expressed his satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the festival's sixth edition. He highlighted how the event had effectively showcased Nepali society, civilization, and culture to a global audience.