NEMPA closes cinema theatres across country

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept. 11: The Nepal Motion Picture Association (NEMPA) has closed film theatres across the country until the situation becomes favourable.

Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the association’s chairman, Narendra Maharjan, informed that film halls nationwide remained closed. 

Speaking to The Rising Nepal, he said that theatres would remain shut until the current political situation in Nepal returned to normal.

He said that the film industry was just beginning to recover after being severely affected by COVID-19, but the present political turmoil has dealt another blow.

 “The film industry is one of the most vulnerable sectors; even a minor disturbance can hamper it. Filmmakers are now in a dilemma about how the ongoing political crisis will impact the industry,” he said.

According to the statement, the closure was also observed in mourning for the 19 people who died from police gunfire during the screening of Gen-Z.

In its message, the association said the shutdown was held in grief, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

There are currently 165 movie theatres in the country.