Nepali cinema is preparing for a major international moment as the International Nepali Film Festival and Awards (INFFA) 2026 officially announces its debut edition, scheduled to take place from February 1 to 3, 2026, in New Delhi, India. Supported by the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, the festival marks a significant step toward positioning Nepali films within the global cinematic conversation.

Designed as a celebration of Nepali storytelling, talent, and creative excellence, INFFA aims to promote Nepali films produced around the world while creating meaningful opportunities for cross-border collaboration between India and Nepal. The festival also seeks to open new doors for business expansion, co-productions, and cultural exchange within the South Asian film industry.

A Platform for Global Recognition

Entries have been invited from Nepali feature films released in 2024 and 2025, with submissions open until January 7, 2026. Selected films will compete across multiple categories, including Best Feature Film, Direction, Acting, and Technical Excellence, offering filmmakers a prestigious international platform to showcase their work.

The three-day festival will feature premiere screenings, special showcases, and red-carpet award ceremonies, making it a highly anticipated event for filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts alike. Adding to its grandeur, INFFA 2026 will host cultural performances, panel discussions, interviews, and talk shows, fostering dialogue around cinema, creativity, and cultural diplomacy.

Esteemed Jury and Star Presence

INFFA 2026 boasts an impressive jury panel comprising respected figures from the Nepali film industry, including Shri Krishna Mall, Shri Sunil Thapa, Shri Tulsi Ghimirey, Ms. Bipana Thapa, and Shri Avtar Sahni. Their collective experience ensures credibility, fairness, and artistic integrity in the judging process.

The festival will also be graced by prominent Nepali film personalities such as Neer Bikram Shah, Pradeep Khadka, Najir Hussain, and Keki Adhikari, along with several national and international film figures, adding star power and visibility to the event.

Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy Through Cinema

Speaking on the vision behind the festival, INFFA Chairman Rajendra Ghimire stated that “INFFA-2026 will be an important opportunity for Nepali film industry to expand its image at international level. Through this event we vow to take Nepali talent to international stage,”.

According to Festival Director (Nepal) Janak Deep Parajuli, the event will add a new dimension to Indo–Nepal cultural relations while helping popularize Nepali films among the Nepali diaspora in India as well as international audiences.

“In addition to film screenings, we will host panel discussions, interviews, and talk shows on a wide range of topics aimed at promoting Nepal as a filming destination, exploring joint productions, and creating a vibrant platform for cultural diplomacy between India and Nepal,” said Akanshya Shah, INFFA Spokesperson and founder of the Himchuli Foundation for Art and Culture. She added, “INFFA 2026 is about pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and connecting audiences with stories that challenge and inspire.”

A New Chapter for Nepali Cinema

With expectations of attracting thousands of attendees, filmmakers, and industry professionals, INFFA 2026 is set to become a vital platform for emerging talent, international exposure, and industry networking. As Nepali cinema continues to evolve and gain global interest, this festival stands as a timely and powerful initiative to amplify its voice beyond borders.

Film submissions can be made via https://filmfreeway.com/INFFA , or alternatively through Google Drive submissions to the Film Director’s Guild of Nepal or the official INFFA email, infaa.filmsubmission@gmail.com respectively.

As anticipation builds, INFFA 2026 promises to be more than just a festival, it signals a new era for Nepali cinema on the world stage.

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