Chairperson of the festival Basanta Thapa says, “Nepali movies usually don’t attract audience, but the new approach is interesting. Filmmakers today are bold and are not hesitant about introducing elements that are usually considered shameful and matters of social taboo. There are several reasons contributing to this change, but what’s important is to acknowledge that this change shows a lot of promise and is a positive development.
”Never before have real life situations such as those enacted in Awaken Eyes been portrayed in Nepali film. Upcoming filmmakers are, however, seeming to hit the right chords as they set out to document the true complexities of Nepali society. The stories are no longer strictly melodrama, but are thought-provoking as they unveil prevalent cultural stereotypes.
Palush, another short film to be screened at KIMFF this year, is about a physically disabled person fulfilling his sexual desires. Directed by Sindhu Pokhrel, the film has already bagged the Best Concept award in a Pokhara screening, and the organizers are very anxious to know what reviews and critiques the film will receive in this year’s KIMFF.
Sex is not the only theme at the KIMFF. “Sixty-four films covering a wide array of subjects, including conflict, culture, climbing, wildlife, environment, globalization, gender and lifestyles will be screened,” says Alok Tumbahangphey, assistant director of the festival. According to Tumbahanghey, the festival received more than 200 entries from 36 countries this year, of which 33 will be screened in the international non-competitive section, 20 in the international competitive category and 11 films in the Nepali Panorama section.
Among the 200 entries, Thapa says, “KIMFF features a special section of films which are relevant to post-conflict issues. They promote peace and reconciliation, human rights, indigenous rights and celebrate socio-cultural diversity.” The films included in this section are The Sari Soldiers/ US-Nepal, Yudha Chitra (Frames of War)/ Nepal, Rightful Place/ USA, Crying Sun: Impact of War in the Mountains of Chechnya/ USA, The Day after Peace/ UK, and I Want My Father Back/ India.
To commemorate and give continuation to the transitional phase in the national political scenario, a travelling package of this special section will also be screened at Biratnagar, Birgunj, Hetauda, Palpa, and other major venues as informed by the organizers. “A three-member international jury comprising Nepali film director Yadav Kharel, Indian filmmaker Ugyen Chopel and Australian mountaineer and author Brigitte Muir will judge the best films,” says festival director Ramyata Limbu.
The top three films will receive cash awards of 1500, 1000 and 500 US dollars respectively, while a separate award has been reserved for the film which receives the most audience votes. According to Limbu, the KIMFF will also feature several satellite programs, including a book release and exhibition, a talk on filmmaking by Ugyen Chopel, a talk on climbing by Brigitte Muir, and a “Know Your Himal” quiz by Nepali Times editor Kunda Dixit. A series of photographs of mountain porters by British photographer and Olympus-awardee Nick Mason will also be exhibited, alongside the finalists of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) sponsored global digital photography competition entitled - “For Mountains and People”.
The 6th edition of KIMFF is organized by Himal Association and the films will be screened back-to-back at the Rashtriya Sabha Griha and the Nepal Tourism Board, Pradarshani Marg (Exhibition Road) from 11 – 15 December 2008.
For details:
KIMFF Secretariat,
Himal Association
Tel. 5542544 Fax. 5541196
E-mail: kimff@himalassociation.org
URL: www.himalassociation.org/kimff
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