5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival concludes

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 3:The 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) concluded on March 31, presenting awards to  ‘Chiso Manchhe’ for the Best National Feature Film, ‘Ghurra’ for the Best National Short Film, and ‘Gurkha Girl’ for the Best National Women’s Film.

Organised by the Nepal Culture and Film Centre, the festival spanned from March 29 to 31, featuring a grand opening ceremony at the Nepal Tourism Board and various events held at both the Film Development Board Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board.

 Likewise, ‘Elderly’s Home’ received the Best National Children’s Film Award, ‘Corn Marriage’ won the Best National Documentary Film Award, ‘There Is No Tomorrow’ clinched the Best National Environmental Film Award, and ‘Thim’ bagged the Best National Cultural Film Award.

Haribansha Acharya won the Best National Actor Award for his role in ‘Mahapurush’, and Swastima Khadaka was honoured with the Best Actress National Award for her performance in ‘Chiso Manchhe’. Additionally,  Chintan Raj Bhandari was awarded the Best National Cinematography Award for ‘The Sound of Dreaming’, Dipak Raj Giri received the Best National Writer Award for ‘Chhakka Panja 4’, and Pradip Bhattarai was honoured with the Best National Director Award for ‘Mahapurush’.

Internationally, ‘Mujhay School Nahi Jaana Hay’ from India was bestowed with the Best International Feature Film Award, while ‘No Freedom No Art’ from the UK claimed the International Short Film Award.

The festival showcased a total of 60 semifinalist films from 37 countries, providing audiences with a diverse cinematic experience. Attendees were able to interact with filmmakers through Q&A sessions and participate in masterclasses and workshops focused on the art of filmmaking.

Renowned film director and NCIFF international jury member Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan conducted a masterclass titled ‘Filmmaking - Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Victories’ at the Film Development Board Nepal. 

Similarly, Ljubinka Stojanovic from Serbia led a workshop on ‘Creating the Future of Film Structure and Unlocking Screenwriting Secrets’ at the Nepal Tourism Board.