Acclaimed Chinese director Xie Fei to lead NIFF jury

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 5: Acclaimed Chinese film directo Prof. Xie Fei, a two-time winner at the Berlin Film Festival, is set to visit Nepal as the main judge for the feature film competition at the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF).

 Festival coordinator KP Pathak has announced that Fei will also conduct a master class on film writing and direction during the festival.

 Before the master class, his last film, ‘Song of Tibet’ will be screened at the festival.

Fei, who earned his Master’s Degree from the Beijing Film Academy, received Berlin’s second-highest honour, the ‘Silver Bear,’ for his 1990 film ‘Black Snow.’

 Three years later, his directorial work, ‘Woman Sesame Oil Maker,’ secured the prestigious ‘Golden Bear’ at the Berlin Film Festival. 

Formerly the Vice-President of the Beijing Film Academy, Fei has been involved in teaching since 1980. 

Although he has not directed any films since 2000, his influence is evident through his notable students, including renowned Chinese artists like Chen Kaige, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Zhang Yimou and Jia Zhangke. 

At 80, Fei currently serves as the art consultant for the new generation of artists.

NIFF is scheduled to showcase 88 films from 40 different countries, encompassing feature films, shorts and documentaries. 

Organisers plan to host workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions during the festival, addressing various film-related issues.

 The film festival is set to take place from March 4 to March 18 in Kathmandu.

This year, alongside Fei, German actress, model, and artist Karin Angele, and Nepali actor Pradeep Khadka will serve as judges for the feature films at the festival.