The 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) Shines Spotlight on Global Issues

In a celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural diversity, the 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) concluded with resounding success, leaving audiences spellbound and filmmakers inspired. The festival was hosted by the prestigious Nepal Culture and Film Centre. It welcomed filmmakers and enthusiasts from 37 countries. Each brought their unique perspectives and stories told via 60 films in 37 different languages.

From March 29th to March 31st 2024, the Film Development Board Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board served as vibrant venues, hosting a captivating array of film screenings. Ms. Ljubinka Stojanovic from Serbia conducted a workshop on “Creating the Future of Film Structure and Unlocking Screenwriting Secrets” at the Nepal Tourism Board. Renowned film director and NCIFF international jury member, Mr. Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, led a masterclass on “Filmmaking — Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Victories” at the Film Development Board Nepal. With free entry for all, the festival embraced inclusivity and accessibility, inviting people from all walks of life to experience the magic of cinema. Highlights of the event included masterclasses conducted by renowned industry professionals and workshops aimed at fostering creative dialogue and skill development.

National and International Awards

Both sessions received overwhelming praise from participants and contributed to the festival’s success.

Headlining the festival were the esteemed international and national juries, comprising renowned industry experts and film enthusiasts. Seven international jurors —Magdalena Juszczyk from Poland, Dirk Gilson from Germany, Ljubinka Stojanovic from Serbia, Jan Schlenk from Germany, Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan from India, Iva Galovic from Croatia, and Miriam Glaser from Korea—lent their expertise to the judging process, alongside national jurors Mohan Niraula, Shanti Pryia, Aacha Dawadi, Mohan Rai, Jay Nishant, Sushma Karki, and Subash Shrestha Pradhan. Together, they meticulously evaluated each film, recognizing excellence in storytelling, cinematography, and cultural relevance.

The NCIFF culminated in a dazzling red carpet closing ceremony at the Film Development Board Nepal. The finest cinematic achievements were honored with 15 national and 15 international awards. Filmmakers and artists from around the globe gathered to celebrate their achievements and forge lasting connections, reaffirming the festival’s role as a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic expression.

A Human Right’s Theme

The festival not only celebrated the art of cinema but also aimed to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. With a focus on the “Human Rights” theme, aligning with SDGs 16, 5, 1, 3, 4, and 17, the event shed light on critical issues hindering access to education, healthcare, and financial stability, thereby negatively impacting individuals’ overall quality of life. By raising awareness through film screenings and panel discussions, the festival aimed to engage a wide audience on these pressing matte

Participants of the 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of NCIFF).

“In addition to its cultural significance, the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival also offers opportunities to revitalise tourism, which is crucial for our country’s economic recovery following the challenges posed by the pandemic. By showcasing Nepal to a global audience, we aim to attract investments and foster job creation, thereby improving people’s standards of living and safeguarding their rights.”

Promising Storytelling for Years to Come

Furthermore, the festival will serve as a hub for collaboration between young students, professionals, and industry experts, fostering dialogue and partnerships to make these goals achievable. “We are immensely proud to have hosted the NCIFF, a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the transformative power of cinema,” said Mr.Santosh Subedi, President of the Nepal Culture and Film Centre. “Through the universal language of film, we have bridged cultural divides and fostered understanding among nations, leaving an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape.”

As the curtains close on another unforgettable chapter, the legacy of the NCIFF continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. It promises even greater adventures in storytelling and cultural exploration in the years to come.

International Award Winners Include:

Best International Feature Film Award: “Mujhay School Nahi Jaana Hay” (India)

Best International Short Film Award: “No Freedom No Art” (UK)

Best International Women Film Award: “Interval” (Iran)

Best International Children Film Award: “Shot Boot Three” (India)

Best International Documentary Film Award: “Sheikh Al Tanweer” (Bahrain)

Best International Environmental Film Award: “The Last Seed” (South Africa)

Best International Human Rights Film Award: “Where Have All the Smiles Gone” (Nepal)

Best International Actor Award: Juddho Joyer Kishore ( Atiquor Rahman Sheehan /Bangladesh)

Best International Actress Award: Jane ( Johanna Burke / Canada)

Best International Cinematography Award: “ The True Summit “ ( United States )

Best International Writer Award: “The Secrets of an Old Gun 2” ( Ivo Macharacek / Czech Republic)

Best International Director Award: “Dear Satyajit” ( Proshoon Rahman / Bangladesh )

Best International Jury Mention Award: “Namaste Himalayan” (Germany )

Best International Special Mention Award: “Sometimes Even the Shore Drowns” (Pakistan)

Best International Special Mention Award: “Immaculate” (France)

Participants of the 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of NCIFF).

National Award Winners Include:

Best National Feature Film Award: “Chiso Manchhe”

Best National Short Film Award: “Ghurra”

Best National Women Film Award: “Gurkha Girl”

Best National Children Film Award: “Elderly’s Home”

Best National Documentary Film Award: “Corn Marriage”

Best National Environmental Film Award: “There Is No Tomorrow”

Best National Cultural Film Award: “Thim”

Best National Actor Award: Mahapurush (Haribansha Acharya)

Best National Actress Award: Chiso Manchhe (Swastima Khadaka)

Best National Cinematography Award: “The Sound of Dreaming” (Chintan Raj Bhandari)

Best National Writer Award: “Chhakka Panja 4” (Dipak Raj Giri)

Best National Director Award: “Maha Purush” (Pradip Bhattarai)

Best National Jury Mention Award: “Chhakka Panja 4” (Deepashree Niroula)

Best National Special Mention Award: Jarna

Best National Special Mention Award: Yubaraj

*Press release and photographs submitted by NCIFF. Follow us for information about next year’s festival and happenings.