Kathmandu Horror Film Fest kicks off

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Nov 1: The first-ever Kathmandu Horror Film Fest kicked off at the Russian House in Kathmandu on the occasion of Halloween on Friday.  

Organised by the Nepal Film and Culture Academy (NFCA) in collaboration with the Russian House and the Embassy of Russia, the three-day festival aims to promote the art of fear, mystery, and imagination in the Nepali film industry, said NFCA Vice President Shiva Puri.

At the opening ceremony, Festival Director Rasik Pathak said, “Nepali films have explored themes of love, society, and spirituality. But today, we have entered a new realm, that of fear, mystery, and imagination. Horror is not merely about ghosts and shadows; it is about confronting the unknown within and around us.”

According to Pathak, the festival, which began on Halloween, seeks to build a cultural bridge between Nepali storytellers and international horror enthusiasts.

Chief Guest and Chairperson of the Film Development Board, Dinesh DC, drew parallels between Halloween and Nepal’s traditional festivals such as Gai Jatra and Gathe Mangal.

“The world is one, emotions like fear and courage are universal. Even in this age filled with materialism, such festivals preserve human connection and strengthen creative relationships,” said DC.

He also announced that the Film Development Board is planning to enhance cooperation among film festival organisers across Nepal to expand the network of independent film festivals.

Renowned filmmaker praised the festival, calling it an excellent initiative and a wonderful platform for national and international cultural exchange.

Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, said, “Cinema connects cultures, and we are pleased to offer scholarship opportunities in Russia for Nepali students interested in film studies.”

The festival opened with ‘Shaman’, a Russian film directed by Mikhail Merzlikin. Altogether, 25 films from 15 countries are being screened, selected from over 80 submissions. 

According to the organiser, awards will be presented in three main categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, and Best Youth Film.

The jury panel for this edition includes Raj Bhai Suwal, a renowned photographer from Nepal, Hosam Fahmy, a film critic from Germany, Alexandra Enberg, a film critic from Sweden, and Yasmine Bouchfar, a film critic from Morocco.