KIMFF that officially got registered under Himal Association in 2000 has earned much recognition over the years as a festival to look up to in both Nepal and elsewhere. The mention of the festival with a coverage in the recent issue of Time magazine makes it much evident, and Thapa says that this has pushed the organizers to work even more to make this year’s festival worth remembering.
A still from A Sea of Change.
Out of some 200 films from 46 countries, the selection panel of the festival has selected 49 films from 26 countries for the screening during the five-day festival. Besides, the occasion will also showcase eight films under Nepali panorama. Taking climate change as the prime theme for this year’s festival, KIMFF promises that the film festival will raise curtains to showcase some of the most recent and exciting films about mountains, mountain environment, mountain cultures and communities from various corners of the world.
“We’re dedicated to exploring the diverse and complex ways in which human beings relate to mountains. The festival seeks to foster a better understanding of human experiences as well as of the social and cultural realities in the highlands of the world,” Thapa explained.
A still from In God´s Heartland.
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When mountain film festivals are talked about, many often misunderstand that the festival will only exhibit documentaries made on mountains. But Thapa differs: “We’re not just promoting documentaries. We’re always open to feature films, video films, short films and even animations.”
To be tentatively inaugurated by Minister of Information and Communication Shankar Pokhrel, this year’s festival has subdivided its event into different categories. Apart from the screenings, other highlights include workshops and exhibitions. Professional animator Anja Perl from Denmark will host an animation workshop while British artist Andy Parkin will conduct a workshop on installation art. Likewise, Peniston, director of The Mountain Institute will give a lecture on climate change, and journalist Kunda Dixit is likely to conduct a quiz competition as in the past, while INGOs such as INSEC and ICIMOD will have book exhibitions. ICIMOD will also host a photo exhibition.
A still from Gwyan Maru.
Among the 49 films to be screened in the international category, 19 films are registered under the competitive screening category while the rest are non-competitive. Therefore, the first three Best Film winners will be chosen from those 19 films. However, who will judge the movies is yet uncertain but the movies will be judged on the basis of presentation, content, and art. The first three winners will receive cash prizes of US$1,500, 1,000 and 500 dollars respectively. The cash awards are sponsored by various organizations. In the Nepali film section, the best one will bag a cash prize of Rs 25,000 from the Film Development Board (FDB).
Furthermore, KIMFF has added one more ensemble into its activities from this year to make this event attract more participation not just from international filmmaking scene but also to encourage Nepal’s young filmmakers. In this regard, Alliance Francaise in Kathmandu has promised to give French subtitles to the best Nepali film of the festival.
A still from Himalaya, A Path to Sky.
“We’re thankful to Alliance Francaise for their support as this can help Nepali films market themselves internationally. It would be a great encouragement for young filmmakers,” added Thapa.
When all things seem to be going fine, what leaves Basanta Thapa disappointed is the least support from the Nepal Government in promoting the festival internationally.
“In these many years, KIMFF has succeeded in attaining a lot of recognition from different parts of the world. But all this has happened through our personal networking and efforts.
Government channels in Nepal are least bothered about such festivals,” he said. “Elsewhere, film festivals are named under the state because the state supports and helps globalizing the festival. Needless to say, film festivals abroad are always grand. In fact, they have progressed to having film mart during the fests where they buy and sell copyrights, negotiate and bargain to have the best movies for screening. Sadly we have nothing as such here.”
A still from Dolpo Tulku.
The entry fee for the festival is Rs 30 (50% off for students). Special passes can also be purchased at Rs 500 each, giving one access to participate in all the activities of the festival throughout the five days of the event.
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