8th Nepal International Film Festival kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 21: The 8th Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) began in Kathmandu on Thursday.

The five-day festival began with the slogan ‘Nepal International Film Festival: Celebrate Stories from Around the World.’

National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, Pakistani Ambassador Abrar H. Hashmi, Director Deependra Gauchan, and NIFF Chairperson KP Pathak clapped the clapboard to inaugurate the event.

Speaking at the programme, Chief Guest Dahal said that bringing national and international films onto one platform is a victory for Nepal. He emphasised that such film festivals help Nepali films compete in the international market. Vice Chairperson of the Nepal Tourism Board, Kamal Sapkota said “The connection between film and tourism is strong. A single film shot in Nepal can attract international tourists. We hope to see more international production houses choosing Nepal as a shooting destination, as the country has the potential to become a hub where tourism and cinema merge to explore creativity and expression.”

Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi praised the excellent composition of films in Nepal and commended the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Actor Deepak Raj Giri also lauded NIFF’s efforts in creating a platform where filmmakers from different nations can come together.

Renowned Indian film critic Dr Rwita Dutta, who is also a jury member at the festival, emphasised the importance of government support for filmmakers.

“Indian filmmakers receive strong support from the Indian government. Similarly, the Nepali government must extend its support to Nepali filmmakers and artists,” she added.

Organised by the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy, NIFF will showcase 87 films from 40 countries.

The festival will take place from March 21–25 in Kathmandu, across various venues, including QFX Cinemas (Civil Mall and Chhaya Centre) and the Nepal Tourism Board.

This year, NIFF is introducing two new award categories: the Audience Choice Award and the AI Award.

The jury panel includes Dr Rwita Dutta and Ponnam Ravichandra from India, Jamal Shah from Pakistan, Prof. Liu Jiayin from China, Surakshya Panta, Rakshya Rana Singh, and Deependra Gauchan from Nepal, Karimi Azimi from Iran, Khandaker Sumon from Bangladesh, and Joan Marc Montiel Diaz from Spain.

The festival will feature both national and international sections, with awards for the best feature films, short films, and documentaries in each category.