Kathmandu will host its first Kathmandu Film Festival from October 30 to November 1, bringing together Nepali and international filmmakers, artists and cinema enthusiasts for three days of screenings, discussions and cultural activities.
Organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the event aims to promote Nepal’s cinematic heritage, showcase local talent and connect the country’s film industry with the international creative community.
Renowned Indian actress Shabana Azmi will be among the key attractions. She will participate in an interaction titled “Films, Festivals and a Life Well Lived” at the Nepal Tourism Board on October 31. Other international guests include film scholar Marco Müller, Japanese film director Takayuki Nakamura and Indian film programmer Deepti D’Cunha. The programme will feature discussions on cinema, creative cities and the international film festival circuit.
The screenings will showcase films from several countries, including India’s Bayaan, China’s Dear You and South Korea’s The King’s Warden. The international selection will also include the American classic The Godfather.
Celebrating Nepal’s cinematic heritage, the programme will feature special screenings of classic Nepali films, including Kumari and Ke Ghar Ke Dera.Other activities include a masterclass on film aesthetics, discussions on the past, present and future of Nepal’s film industry, and screenings of short films and documentaries by emerging Nepali filmmakers.
The opening day on October 30 will begin with a heritage walk in Kathmandu’s historic Basantapur area. The closing programme on November 1 will include a red-carpet event, an awards ceremony and a screening of Ke Ghar Ke Dera.
The festival’s screenings and events will be held at several venues across Kathmandu, including Basantapur, National City Hall, the Nepal Tourism Board, Jai Nepal Cinema and Taragaon Next Museum.
Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, Kathmandu aims to strengthen its creative industries by connecting filmmakers with local communities, educational institutions and international cinema networks. The initiative also seeks to bring local stories to wider audiences and preserve the city’s cultural heritage.
(Arvind Jain is a Special Correspondent with Prasar Bharati)
