Kathmandu, Nepal—The 6th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) concluded with a grand closing ceremony on February 1st, 2025, at the Film Development Board, Nepal. The festival, held from January 30th to February 1st at Q’s Rising Cinemas, Darbarmarg, successfully showcased 98 films from 47 countries, celebrating global cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
A Spectacular Celebration of Cinema and Culture
The festival featured a dynamic lineup of events, including masterclasses, an art exhibition, and panel discussions, enriching both filmmakers and audiences. The opening ceremony, graced by the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Cooperative Ministry of Bagmati Province, marked the beginning of an extraordinary three-day journey of film and cultural appreciation.
The closing ceremony was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung, alongside the Chairman of Nepal Culture and Film Centre, national and international jury members. The evening was marked by enthralling cultural performances, including a bowl singing performance by Argentine delegates, a Chaupadi musical drama by Pritima School, the traditional Rautay dance by students of Akshrika School, and a mesmerizing Nepali cultural dance performance.
Honoring Excellence in Cinema
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the prestigious awards presentation, recognizing outstanding achievements in both national and international cinema.
International Award Winners:
- Best International Feature Film: “Poovu (Flower)” – India
- Best International Short Film: “Sauda:” (The Trade) – Bangladesh
- Best International Women Film: “The Reunion” – Russia
- Best International Children Film: “Lust for Freedom” – Vietnam
- Best International Documentary Film: “Nuraga Bhumi” – Canada
- Best International Environmental Film: “The Soul of Jasmine” – Spain
- Best International Human Rights Film: “American Foulbrood” – USA
- Best International Animation Film: “Flower of the Partisan” – South Africa
- Best International Actor: Manjulan K.V. (“Poovu (Flower) — India
- Best International Actress: Eunice Kache Ruwa (“Impure,” Germany)
- Best International Cinematographer: Jose Luis Alcaine (“Speak Sunlight,” Spain)
- Best International Writer: Alessandro Leone (“Out There,” Italy)
- Best International Director: Giovanni M Zelko (“La 4orce,” USA)
- Best International Jury Mention: “The Temple of Eternal Sound” – Argentina
- Best International Special Mention: “Lockdown Garden Diary” – UK
- Best International Aventoz Popular Award: “Sid With Me” – Germany
- Best International Encouragement Award: “Giant Puppets for Dignified Menstruation” – Nepal
National Award Winners:
- Best National Feature Film: “Bulaki” – Laxman Sunar
- Best National Short Film: “Ritto Gaun” – Ramji Gnwali
- Best National Women Film: “Period” – Rewati Gurung
- Best National Children Film: “The School’s Wall” – Mohan Shrestha
- Best National Documentary Film: “No Monastery No Village” – Tashi Lhazom
- Best National Cultural Film: “Chipagu Neela” – Yoban Shakya
- Best National Actor: Aryan Sigdel (“Pujar Sharki”)
- Best National Actress: Anjana Baraili (“Pujar Sharki”)
- Best National Cinematography: Shiva Dhakal (“Bulaki”)
- Best National Writer: Sanol Das (“Pakhata”)
- Best National Director: Dinesh Raut (“Pujar Sharki”)
- Best National Jury Mention: “Chhesang” – Rajeela Shrestha
- Best National Special Mention: “Threshold” – Sarita Sah
- Best National Aventoz Popular Award: “Late Night” – Obeid Uddin
- Best National Encouragement Award: Naren Khadka (“Bulaki”)
Distinguished Jury Members and Guests
The festival was honored by the presence of esteemed national and international jury members, including:
- Tima Taghizadeh (Iran)
- Shambhujeet Baskota (Nepal)
- Eva Daoud (Bahrain)
- Irina Shatalova (Russia)
- Pradeep Khadka (Nepal)
- Nipon Dholua (India)
- Surakshya Panta (Nepal)
- Fabien Matthias (Germany)
- Bhuwan Chand (Nepal)
- Basundhara Bhusal (Nepal)
- Chaity Devi Singh (Nepal)
- Raunak Bikram Kandel (Nepal)
- Dinesh Lingden (Nepal)
A Landmark Event in Nepalese Cinema
The festival concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from the Chief Guest, Special Guests, and jury members, highlighting its success in fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the art of storytelling on an international platform. The NCIFF 2025 once again proved to be a landmark event, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles from around the world.
With a promise to return with even greater cinematic brilliance, the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival bids farewell until its next edition, continuing its legacy of uniting cultures through the power of film.
