The inaugural Kathmandu Film Festival concluded on Sunday after a weekend filled with film screenings, cultural performances, and heritage events.
Organized by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the festival brought theater to the heart of Kathmandu, featuring traditional performances alongside film presentations.
This three day festival aimed to highlight the significance of film in art, culture, and heritage, while also allowing local Nepalese filmmakers to engage with the international film community.
Nepalese and Global Cinema
The festival showcased 38 films from 14 countries, featuring screenings, discussions, and special events at Jai Nepal Cinema and Rastriya Sabha Griha.
On the final day, films from South Korea, India, the USA, and local Nepalese productions were featured.
Highlights included the South Korean film The King’s Warden, Indian films Not a Hero and No Good Men, and the classic American film The Godfather at Jai Nepal Cinema.
Attendees could also view a restored version of the Nepalese film Kumari and enjoy short films by local filmmakers at Rastriya Sabha Griha.
Special categories included Nepal Panorama, International Panorama, and Short Film Video Challenge.
Heritage Walk Launches the Festival
The festival kicked off on Friday with a heritage walk and cultural performances in Basantapur.
Guests were welcomed near the Juddha statue and proceeded to Basantapur Dabali, followed by a visit to Kumari Ghar to explore Kathmandu’s living culture.
Performances occurred around Narayan Temple, Maju Dega, Gaddi Baithak, and Seto Bhairab, featuring traditional dances and music.
Musical acts included Kutumba, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force, along with a cultural performance by Munasa Nepal and a play titled Hasana (Sandesh) directed by Aarmaya Nakarmi.
Notable attendees included Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, UNESCO Kathmandu Office Head Jaco du Toit, and various famous artists and international guests.
Prominent figures included veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi, filmmaker Marco Müller, and local artists Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya.
Red Carpet Event Attracts Stars
A highlight of the festival was the red carpet event on Saturday, featuring prominent Nepalese artists and international stars.
Despite heavy rain, many familiar faces from Nepal’s entertainment industry attended, including First Lady Sabina Kafle.
Local artists included Madan Krishna Shrestha, Hari Bansha Acharya, and Keki Adhikari, while international stars included Shabana Azmi and Japanese director Takayuki Nakamura.
On the second day, film screenings, discussions, and interactive sessions took place, including a panel discussion featuring Shabana Azmi on Cinema, Festivals, and a Meaningful Life.
Director Takayuki Nakamura participated in a discussion highlighting Yamagata, Japan, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film.
Showcasing Kathmandu’s Rich Culture
The festival aimed to showcase Kathmandu’s culture, language, traditions, and historic sites through film.
Acting Mayor Dangol emphasized the need to protect local languages and creativity while acknowledging Kathmandu’s development.
Professor Marco Müller stated that the festival offers a fresh message for the creative industries in South Asia and beyond.
Actor Hari Bansha Acharya noted the diverse filming locations available in Nepal, while Madan Krishna Shrestha highlighted film as a powerful educational tool.
Creative Director Ayusha Shrestha pointed out that the festival was uniquely led by women.
In 2023, Kathmandu was recognized as a Creative City of Film in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. This festival allowed Kathmandu to embrace this identity by connecting its cultural heritage with international cinema.
A New Platform for Nepalese Film
The first Kathmandu Film Festival successfully united film, culture, and international collaboration.
By showcasing restored Nepalese films alongside contemporary works from around the globe, the festival provided insight into the past and future of Nepal’s film industry.
It also offered a broader platform for Kathmandu to present its culture through film, enhancing heritage and professional interactions.
While the inaugural Kathmandu Film Festival has concluded, it marks a promising beginning for increased collaboration among Nepalese filmmakers, international artists, and the local creative community.