 is set to take place in March, featuring 87 films from 40 countries.){kind=link}
The 8th edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) is set to take place in March, featuring 87 films from 40 countries. Festival Chair KP Pathak announced the selection from over 600 submissions representing 70 countries, emphasizing efforts to make this edition grander than ever.
The festival will host discussions, workshops, and interactions with filmmakers, politicians, and prominent personalities. It is categorized into two sections: national and international. Awards will be given in feature, short film, and documentary categories.
Nepali Films in the Spotlight
In the National Panorama competition, selected feature films include:
• Crawling Crows by John Yonjan
• Poojar Sarki by Dinesh Raut
• Bhutan by Binod Poudel
• Sati Devi by Laxman Subedi
Competing documentaries include:
• Devi by Subina Shrestha
• Chhesang by Ranjila Shrestha
• Mukti by Gaurav Aryal
• No Monastery No Village by Tashi Lajoom
• Uddhne Sapana by Deepa Shrestha
• Girls Rewriting Destiny by Love Pyakurel
AI Film Competition Introduced
This year, NIFF introduces a new competition for films using or focused on AI technology. Selected films include:
• Every Hesitation of Yours Can Destroy the World (China)
• The Abyss (Argentina)
• Gold Casting (France)
• The Dream, The Fog, and The Rain (Peru)
• Mob Part 1 (USA)
Awards and Recognition
The prestigious Gautam Buddha Award, with a cash prize of $1,500, will be given to the best international feature film. Additional prizes include:
• Don Quixote Award: Presented by the International Federation of Film Societies to one outstanding film.
• Best Nepali Feature Film: NPR 100,000 and a trophy.
• Best Nepali Short Film and Documentary: NPR 50,000 each.
• Mount Everest Award: $1,000 for Best International Documentary.
• Bagmati Award: $500 for Best International Short Film.
• Manjushree Award: $500 for Best AI Film.
NIFF continues to be a global platform for cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from around the world.