The highly anticipated ‘Youth Short Film Competition,’ hosted by the Oscar International College, has come to a thrilling conclusion, celebrating the talents of budding filmmakers with a keen eye on the youth audience. Among the pool of outstanding entries, it was ‘Babal,’ a film by Sajil Basnet, that emerged victorious, clinching the coveted title of the competition and a prize of Rs 100,000.

‘Babal’ truly resonated with its target audience—those under the age of 20—capturing the essence of youthful experiences and perspectives. The film’s win is a testament to its compelling storytelling and engaging execution.

Taking home the second and third prizes were ‘Vairagya,’ directed by Chhitiz Jaisawal, and ‘Khokro,’ crafted by Dev Tamang. Both films earned well-deserved recognition and substantial cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively. The jury panel, composed of industry experts including Manoj Babu Pant, director Niranjan Bhetwal, and cinematographer Ujjwal Bastakoti, evaluated the entries based on various criteria, including thematic depth, storytelling prowess, technical finesse, visual aesthetics, and language usage.

In addition to the top three winners, ‘The Poet,’ a creation by Nirakar Bhakta Rai, received a special mention—a testament to its unique and exceptional qualities. College Principal Ramraja Dahal highlighted the competition’s significance in nurturing emerging talent within the film industry, emphasizing that filmmaking is an art form that thrives on creativity and innovation. He stated, “The film itself is a creative genre, and this competition aims to recognize and nurture the promising young talents in the industry.”

The ‘Youth Short Film Competition’ serves as a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their artistic abilities and reach a wider audience. As the film industry continues to evolve, such events become invaluable in identifying the visionaries of tomorrow and celebrating their contributions to the world of cinema.

The Oscar International College’s dedication to fostering cinematic talent and pushing the boundaries of storytelling ensures that the future of Nepali cinema remains bright and full of promise. The competition has undoubtedly left a mark in the hearts of both participants and audiences, reminding everyone of the transformative power of film as a medium of expression and creativity.

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