Karnali International Film Festival begins

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 10: Karnali International Film Festival began on Sunday.

 Organised by Red Cherry in collaboration with the Film Development Board (FDB), the two-day festival is being held in Birendranagar.

According to the press release issued by FDB, the festival was inaugurated by Karnali Province Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel. 

Special guests included former Chief Minister Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, former Province Minister Kunti Sahi, former Minister Ram Kumari Jhakri, Film Development Board Chairperson Dinesh DC, actor Pradeep Khadka, and filmmaker Bikas Subedi. 

Festival director Chakra Bahadur Chand said that the festival aims to promote Karnali as a film tourism destination. 

On the occasion, an official agreement was signed to shoot the upcoming film ‘26 Karod’, directed by Bikas Subedi, entirely in Karnali.

As part of the festival, a ‘Gurans Film Dialogue’ programme will be held on Monday in Guras Rural Municipality, informed in the press release.  

The discussion will focus on the future of filmmaking in Karnali, the potential of local narratives, and regional film development.

With the support of the Film Development Board, the festival is expected to play a vital role in establishing Karnali as a key shooting destination for both Nepali and international films. 

The organisers claim that special efforts will be made to incorporate Karnali’s authentic stories, natural beauty and cultural heritage into Nepali cinema.