And the 2010 edition promises nothing less, if not added perks with workshops in writing, filmmaking and animation. For cinephiles, it definitely promises to be a busy five days of film fiesta.
From December 9 till 13, the two venues reserved for the screening -- Rashtriya Sabha Griha and the Nepal Tourism Board at Exhibition Road -- will screen 62 films hand-picked from 330 entries.
“The selection criteria is based on various factors like subject matter, relevancy of the topic, execution, copy-right issues and subtitle, which is mandatory in every entry,” shared Viplob Pratik, the festival coordinator.
He further added that despite 34 entries from Nepal they could only select seven. The movie by renowned documentary filmmaker Kesang Tseten’s “Saving Dolma” will be representing Nepal in the international competition within Kimff, whereas the other six will be screened in the Nepali Panorama category.
Sharing his experience of participating in the film fiesta for the second time, director Deepak Rauniyar whose film “Pooja” has been selected for screening at Kimff said, “This is the best platforms for independent film makers to showcase their vision.”
Shabnamm Mukhiya-director of “Tears of Fear” echoed Rauniyar and said, “The major hurdle facing independent filmmaker is the lack of provision for screening their works, as no television station or film halls are ready to cater to such independent endeavors.”
The six entries from Nepal touch upon various themes ranging from animal sacrifice, discriminations based on sexual orientation, gender, minorities to unveiling the darker side of Kathmandu through a young hustler’s perspective.
Responding to a query whether social taboos or sensational topics are the preferred themes for documentaries, Murray Kerr, director of “Birami Sahar (Sick City)”, said, “Controversy always sparks curiosity and attracts attention, but even ordinary subjects have the potential to create magic on screen, it’s all about execution and your passion for the craft.”
Kerr also believes that digital technology has made the art of film-making more accessible and is not exclusive anymore.
Manoj Pandey, whose 24-minutes film “Struggle Within” which deals with struggle faced by gender minorities thinks that pertinent issues are more satisfying to document.
“Although it is challenging to find appropriate subjects and film them, projects like these act as catalyst for change in society which in itself is a huge compliment to any filmmaker,” Pandey shared.
Voicing a diverse array of subjects cutting across conflict, culture, wildlife, environment, globalization, gender, development to lifestyles around mountains, the 62 selected films in Kimff 2010 promises to be another milestone for the organizing committee.
Besides showcasing films, the festival will include film-making workshops, animation and writing. DocSkool, Himal Association and Quixote’s Cove are joining hands with Kimff in this regard. The workshop on film-making will be held from December 9 to 13. Professor Terry Gifford, English writer and a mountaineer, will conduct a three-day writing workshop entitled: ‘Write Mountains’ on December 10, 11 and 12 at Rashtriya Sabha Griha, Bhrikutimandap.
For those interested in animation, Laura Büchert Schjødt and Anja Perl’s workshop on December 10 and 11 should be an eye opener.
For more information you can log on to their official portal: kimff.org
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