KATHMANDU, Oct 26: The National Film Development Board (NFDB) conferred the Special Film Award to ‘Ghampani’ and ‘Kalo Pothi’ amid a ceremony held at the Board’s premises in Chabahil on Wednesday. 

A five-member jury comprising journalist Bishnu Sharma, director Rishi Lamichane, producer Shakti Ballab Ghorasaine, along with board members of NFDB Rajesh Chalise and Utaam KC selected these two films among a total of 37 nominated films. The award was presented by Ram Chandra Dhakal, chairperson of National Film Development Board. 

The recipients were also conferred with certificates and Rs 200,000 cash price. 

According to Utaam KC, board member of NFDB, “In order to be eligible to be nominated for the award, the films should be censor passed and different than other commercial films because the selected movies will be shown at an upcoming international film festival.” 

He added, “‘Ghampani’ and ‘Kalo Pothi’ won the award as they have a unique storytelling and portray Nepali cultures as well as values.” 

Director of ‘Kalo Pothi’, Min Bhadur Bham, could not be present to receive the award as he is in South Korea. Representatives from the film’s production team had come to receive the award on Bham’s behalf.

Meanwhile, Dipendra Lama, director of ‘Ghampani’, said, “I’m glad to be felicitated with the Special Film Award. However, I hadn’t made the film with the aim to win awards. I just want to make a perfect movie which I learnt from my past mistakes as a filmmaker.” 

He added, “I believe my film was chosen for the award because it shows the importance of inter-caste marriages. I’m planning to direct another film and its script writing is currently underway.” A book called ‘Nepali Chalachitra Ko Itihas’ by Laxmi Nath Sharma was also unveiled at the event.