The official opening ceremony of the sixth edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) took place on Thursday evening at QFX Cinemas on the seventh floor of the Civil Mall. There were industry personnels, distinguished ambassadors, and outstanding national and international filmmakers in attendance, as well as media panels and the general public.

The festival was officially launched by the Newari cultural group’s “Bansuri Team” and a minute of silence for the passing away of the late acclaimed Indian film director of Nepali origin, Pratap Subba. Subba directed a number of economically and critically successful Nepali films, including Paral Ko Aago, Baachna Chahaneharu, Masal, Kahi Andhyaro Kahi Ujyalo, Didi, Chatyang, and Bishma Pratigya.

First Nepali Female Comedy Actress Basundhara Bhusal and the chairperson of the Film Development Board and the prominent actor, director, and producer Bhuvan KC were the special guests. “As the future of all countries is closely connected, movies can serve as the bridge between our friendship and cultural exchange,” stated Ambassador of China to Nepal H.E Mr. Chen Song. He also mentioned that the 2013 Chinese film ‘Up in the Wind,’ which was mostly shot in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, drew a lot of Chinese tourists to Nepal’s beautiful landscapes. Carlos Alberto Michaelson Hartog (Ambassador of Brazil), Yousuf bin Muhammad Al-Hail (Ambassador of Qatar), Dr. Sahil Kumar (Secretary of the Indian Embassy), Premendra Mazumder (Jury Head of NIFF), and Prof. Li Ran were also among the distinguished guests.

K.P. Pathak, the Festival’s organizer, and the Chairman expressed disappointment over the absence of the government, who were invited to the country’s biggest film festival. “We feel demotivated when our own don’t care about us,” he sarcastically said. “But we are glad and motivated that you have come and showered us with love and support. We feel the motivation to organize again.”

Nir Bikram Shah, Sunil Thapa, Namrata Shrestha, and Tsering Ritar Sherpa are the advisors of the NIFF. The inauguration of Nepali serial “Jand” was inaugurated in this auspicious ceremony with the opening movie screening of the Nepali movie “Chari” directed by Kerin Sharma. The magnificent lineup of national and international films is screened at QFX Cinemas, along with workshops, presentations, and panel discussions hosted by notable filmmakers and business professionals at Nepal Tourism Board.

Photos By: Ayush Maharjan

Penned By: Utsav Pun

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