The Delegation of the European Union to Nepal recently organized an exciting film critic competition, and the results have brought a wave of pride and joy in Nepal. As a journalist, Sriju Saral won the competition, showcasing her exceptional talent in film criticism. Following closely, journalist Prasun Sangroula was declared the runner-up, demonstrating their high level of skill and knowledge in the field. Both journalists from Nepal have received recognition for their insightful analysis and for further proving the caliber of Nepali critics on the international stage.

This year was the 13th edition of the Nepal European Union Film Festival 2024 (NEUFF). The theme for 2024 was “Fifty Years of EU-Nepal Relations: Celebrating Cultural Diversity.” This festival marks the 50th anniversary of EU-Nepal diplomatic relations.

The festival was judged by a three-members jury, including senior film journalist and scriptwriter Samipya Raj Timalsena, poet Bimala Tumkhewa, and a delegation representative, who evaluated the film reviews. Likewise, fourteen participants entered the competition, each submitting reviews for at least one Nepali short film and one European film.

Where, Saral reviewed the short Nepali film “Phera,” directed by Anil Kurmie, and the Irish film “The Banshees of Inisherin,” directed by Martin McDonagh. While runner-up, Sangroula reviewed the Bulgarian movie “The Naked Truth About Zhiguli Band” and the short Nepali film “Rato Pachheuri” by Miraz Roshan Thakuri.

Similarly, The documentary film “Dhye Dreams”, directed by Shanta Nepali, was awarded the Best Short Film. “The Bull, The Cow, The Calf”, directed by Swoyan Maskey Manandhar, was given a Special Mention certificate.

In the beginning of December 2024, the winners and runner-ups of the Film Critics Competition and Short Film Competition will travel to Brussels, Belgium, to participate in the Nepali Film Festival—the first organized by the delegation.

After completing the 2024 Nepal European Union Film Festival (NEUFF) in Kathmandu, Mahendranagar, Nepalgunj, and Surkhet, the festival will also take place in Itahari on November 16, 17, and 18, 2024.

The European Union’s decision to organize a film critic competition is a great step to promote film criticism in Nepal. This competition has given a platform to young and talented writers to showcase their abilities.

The win by Sriju Saral and Prasun Sangroula is a proud moment for Nepal and the Nepali film industry. It shows that Nepali talents can compete at international levels.

Source: The Kathmandu Post, Delegation of the European Union to Nepal Picture Credit: The Kathmandu Post, X, The Annapurna Express

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