Nepal International Film Festival Begins March 20

The 8th edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) is set to take place in Kathmandu from March 20 to 24. Organized by the Nepal Film and Cultural Foundation, the festival will feature 87 films from 40 countries, according to Festival Chair KP Pathak.

This year’s festival will be held under the theme “Festival of Stories from All Over the World, Nepal International Film Festival.” Pathak stated that efforts have been made to enhance the event’s effectiveness and appeal to film enthusiasts while providing a global platform for filmmakers to network and exchange ideas.

A special highlight of the festival will be the “Russian Film Day,” scheduled for March 23. The festival will feature national and international film categories, with the best international film receiving the prestigious “Gautam Buddha Award” along with a cash prize of $1,500. Additionally, the Federation of International Film Societies will present the “Don Quixote Award” to select films from both categories.

Awards include Rs 100,000 and a trophy for the best national film, while the best short film and best documentary will receive Rs 50,000 each. The best international documentary will be honored with the “Mount Everest Award” and a $1,000 prize, while the best international short film will receive the “Bagmati Award” with a $500 prize. A special “Manjushree Award” of $500 will be presented to a film utilizing AI technology.