Film Festivals Reveal Hidden Truth

The biggest challenge for the Nepali film industry is securing release slots that attract audiences," says Rakshya Singh Rana, a Nepali filmmaker, editor, and industry leader with over two decades of experience. Rakshya, the country’s first female film editor, further explains that competing with Bollywood is another significant hurdle. However, she notes a positive development: the success of Purna Bahadurko Sarangi, which surpassed Bollywood releases like Singham in Nepal and grossed over $ 1.73 million from seven international markets within three weeks of its release, making it the highest-grossing Nepali film in the international box office. This, she believes, demonstrates the industry’s potential, which could be fully realised with strategic alliances on film release timing and distribution.

Amidst these challenges, the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) has successfully completed its 8th edition. From March 20-24, 2025, NIFF screened 87 films and documentaries from 40 countries at QFX Civil Mall and Chhaya Centre. "Selecting from over 600 global submissions was a challenging task," remarked KP Pathak, the founder and chair of NIFF. Films reflect society, culture, tradition, and the evolution of human civilisation. The digital revolution has made filmmaking more accessible, enabling individuals outside the traditional industry to create short films. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, YouTube, and Instagram Stories provide entertainment options that were non-existent a few decades ago.

Digital platforms

Growing up, visiting a movie theatre was a luxury reserved for school holidays. Now, movies are accessible even in remote areas via television, mobile devices, and digital platforms. However, this shift has also made it difficult for Nepali films to attract audiences. Beyond NIFF, Nepal hosts several film festivals, including Film Southasia and the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival, each catering to different audiences and themes. 

One film featured at both Film Southasia and NIFF was Devi, which won awards at both festivals. Devi tells the real-life story of Devi Khadka, a Maoist leader and former parliamentarian who survived multiple rapes during Nepal’s civil war. The documentary highlights her resilience in demanding justice for herself and other women who suffered sexual violence at the hands of both rebels and security forces.

Film festivals play a crucial role in bringing such stories to light, exposing hidden truths, and advocating for justice. Award-winning documentaries like Devi serve as powerful tools to influence policymakers and inform the public. Hopefully, the fact that it is drawing audiences not only in Nepal but around the world helps in getting the voices of several women like Devi to be heard and action taken to end sexual violence during war and peace.

At the recently concluded 8th NIFF on March 24, 2025, Devi, directed by Subina Shrestha, won the Best Documentary Award. Meanwhile, Shambala, directed by Min Bahadur Bham, received the Gautam Buddha Award for Best Narrative Feature Film — the first time a Nepali film has won this honour in NIFF’s eight-year history. Several other awards were also distributed across various categories by a jury panel led by Dr. Rwita Dutta and Deependra Gauchan. During her keynote address, Dr. Dutta praised NIFF for attracting top-tier filmmakers but pointed out the Nepal government’s lack of support compared to other countries like India. She urged greater governmental and industry backing to ensure the festival’s continuity.

Deependra Gauchan, a globally recognised Nepali filmmaker, recently returned to Nepal after years of working abroad to make films in his home country once again. He released Keti Harayeko Suchana, a commercial feature film recently, but encountered significant challenges in distribution and audience reach. "After decades in the film industry, I feel like a 'new kid on the block' in Nepal and am still finding my niche in the market," he shared with me. With a career spanning since 1986 and a portfolio of 20 films across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, Gauchan’s return signifies the potential for Nepal’s film industry to expand and evolve.

Filmmakers like Gauchan and Shrestha are not alone — Nepal has an emerging generation of talented directors and actors producing world-class films and documentaries. Notable talents include Anjali Baraili, who won Best Actress for her lead role in Pujar Sarki, and RK Mehta, who won Best Actor for his performance in Crawling Crows - Ankha. Nepal’s theatre culture is also gaining momentum, with young directors and actors staging impressive productions.

Daunting task

However, producing and distributing films in Nepal remains a daunting task. Bollywood’s dominance in the market, language barriers, and Nepal’s diverse multicultural and multilingual landscape present both opportunities and challenges for the local industry. Additionally, internal politics within the industry makes it difficult for new and independent filmmakers to secure screening opportunities. Established groups of theatre owners and directors often control the industry, creating obstacles for those without political influence or established connections.

Despite challenges, film festivals play a crucial role in promoting Nepali cinema, attracting international filmmakers, and fostering dialogue between artists and audiences. Events like NIFF provide valuable networking opportunities and insight into the filmmaking process. During the event, several panel discussions were also held at the Nepal Tourism Board where experts from the sector raised several pertinent issues related to Nepal’s and international film industries. It is time to analyse what led to the success of Purna Bahadurko Sarangi, which had a domestic release on November 8th, 2024, so that other Nepali films can replicate its ability to captivate audiences and achieve commercial viability.

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women’s rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com or on X @NamrataSharmaP.)