KIMFF to kick off on May 28

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 24: The 22nd edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) is set to take place from May 28 to June 1 under the theme ‘Fractured Voices, Reclaiming Narratives.’

According to a press statement issued by the organisers, this year’s festival will showcase more than 65 films from 30 countries across three venues in Thamel QFX Chhaya Centre, Astrek Park, and GAA Hall.

KIMFF 2025 will open with the Nepal premiere of ‘Between The Mountain and The Sky,’ a documentary by Jeremy Power Regimbal. 

The film follows CNN Hero Maggie Doyne and her journey of compassion and resilience as she cares for Nepali orphans amid personal struggles.

In celebration of 70 years of Nepal-China diplomatic relations, the festival will feature a special segment titled ‘Xizang Panorama.’ 

The competition jury includes prominent figures from the international film community, Nepal’s filmmaker Nabin Subba, Austrian director Martin Hasenöhrl, Chinese filmmaker Yingqi Chen, Professor Xun Zhan of journalism and communication from China, and Korean film programmer Jinna Lee.

KIMFF is also launching its inaugural Kathmandu Doc Lab from May 24 to 28. 

The first of its kind, the lab aims to nurture South Asian documentary talents. Nine selected projects will be mentored by renowned filmmakers, Anam Abbas from Pakistan-Canada, Arun Bhattarai from Bhutan, and Rintu Thomas from India.

The festival will also feature the Cut.Katha live documentary pitch, where five Nepali women filmmakers will present their short documentary proposals. 

As part of the five-day-long festival, four exhibitions will also be held, read the statement.