Nepal’s first poetry film festival in 2026

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 24: The Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers Workshop (HLF–WWK) has announced the launch of Nepal’s first-ever Poetry Film Festival, to be held as part of HLF–WWK 2026 from 29 May to 5 June 2026 in Kathmandu.

Dedicated exclusively to films rooted in literature and poetry, the Poetry Film Festival will showcase lyrical, narrative, and experimental works in which language, rhythm, and imagination shape the cinematic form. "The initiative marks a significant expansion of the festival’s long-standing commitment to cross-disciplinary artistic dialogue," read the press statement issued by Yuyutsu RD Sharma, chief of the Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers Workshop (HLF–WWK).

The festival has opened a global call for submissions, inviting filmmakers, writers, artistes, and directors to submit works with a strong literary or poetic foundation. Eligible categories include short poetry films, literary adaptations and adapted screenplays, biographical or documentary films on poets and writers, and feature-length films grounded in literary or poetic traditions. Interdisciplinary and experimental works that bridge poetry, prose, cinema, performance, and visual art are particularly encouraged.

Selected films will be screened during HLF–WWK 2026 in collaboration with cultural and educational institutions in Nepal and abroad. The jury panel will comprise Irish filmmaker Peter Salisbury, Hollywood composer Chad Cannon, and British director Stephan Bookas. An award will be presented to the Best Film of the festival.

The submission deadline is 15 March 2026.

Commenting on the initiative, Srijana Bhandari, Director of the Himalayan Literature Festival, said, “As the festival enters a new phase of growth, HLF–WWK remains committed to fostering dialogue across languages, nations, and art forms. The Poetry Film Festival extends this vision into cinema.”

Amar Akash, Nepal Coordinator of the festival and film critic, noted that the new platform “will not only honour literature but also establish a new tradition of reimagining poetry on screen and expanding it through cinema.”

Now in its second edition, the Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers Workshop continues to serve as an international platform for writers, poets, scholars, artistes, and thinkers, promoting literary exchange and cultural dialogue across South Asia and the world.