Howard Rypp wins top honour at NCIFF

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 4: Renowned Israeli actor, director and founder of the Nefesh Theatre, Howard Rypp has arrived in Nepal to represent Israel at the 7th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) 2026. His award-winning documentary Gimpel the Fool Returns to Poland was screened in the festival.

 According to a press release issued by Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu, the documentary, inspired by the short story Gimpel the Fool by late Nobel Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer, drew significant attention from audiences and sparked thoughtful discussions on the writer’s life and enduring literary legacy. 

In recognition of its outstanding cinematic excellence, powerful storytelling, artistic merit and meaningful contribution to global cinema, the film was awarded the First Prize at the festival.

The Embassy of Israel facilitated special screenings of the documentary at Dibyabhumi Multiple College and Imperial World School in Kathmandu on Monday.

 The screenings were organised for students and faculty members and were attended by Rypp, who engaged with the audience and shared insights into the film’s background, themes and creative process, as well as broader reflections on the Holocaust.

Through such cultural initiatives, the Embassy of Israel continues to promote cross-cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties between Israel and Nepal.