KATHMANDU, Dec 9: The Himal Association organized the 20th edition of the Kathmandu International Film Festival (KIMFF) on December 8, Thursday at the National City Hall and Nepal Tourism Board. The festival was inaugurated by Bollywood director Prakash Jha.

Speaking at the festival's opening ceremony, Basanta Thapa, chairman of the Himal Association, urged Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah to move toward establishing Kathmandu as a cultural city.

"I want to draw KMC’s attention in the regard that Kathmandu can be made a world hub of films, literature, music, drama, symphony and orchestra," said Chairman Thapa.

A special screening of the film "Matto Ki Saikal" starring Jha was held on the first day. Along with Jha, film director M Gani was also present at the ceremony. After the film screening, Jha and Gani interacted with the audience about the film.

At the opening ceremony, jurors Kiran Bhakta Joshi, Jinna Lee and Michael Pause commented on the context associated with KIMFF. "Filmmaking itself is challenging. You have to learn and be patient," said Joshi, who is also a famous animator.

At the inauguration ceremony, Joel Evonet, Deputy Head of the European Union Mission to Nepal, discussed the contribution of the KIMF in developing Nepal's film culture. She said that the European Union is working in the fields of Nepal's climate crisis, human rights, education, and health and culture promotion.

The documentary 'Bagh Ko Bangara' directed by Kamal Kumar was premiered at the festival. The film produced by Bidya Chapagain, the director of the Herne Katha series, tells the story of the difficult honey hunting done by the locals in the hilly terrain of North Jajarkot. This 55-minute long film also presents the story of a physical and mental journey. After the premiere, producer Chapagai and director Kumar also shared their experience of shooting the film with the audience. After this film, the world premiere of the 33-minute long documentary 'Through the Singing Village' directed by Samrat Khanal was also held.

More than 60 films from 30 countries will be screened at the festival, which will last until December 26. The festival will conclude with the film 'Fly from Everest' about an Australian disabled person's attempt to climb Mount Everest to eradicate polio.

In the festival, the first, second and third place international films will receive Rs 200,000, Rs 150,000 as cash prize, while under Nepali Panorama, the best films in fiction and documentary categories will be given cash prizes of Rs 175,000.

The best film selected from the ISMOD member countries will receive $1,000 including the 'Best ISMOD Mountain Film Award'. Similarly, the film that gets the most votes from the audience at the festival will receive Rs 50,000 through the 'KIMFF Audience Award'.

 
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