Luckily for him Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) was scheduled to take place only a few months later. [break]
Also, the fact that his favorite Nepali film, Sick City by Murray Kerr, was declared the winner in the Nepal Panorama Category at KIMFF only made his desire stronger. “I had to come witness this festival,” he says basking in the sun after the premiere of Ma Khusi Chhu, a film by Abinash Bikram Shah.
This script writer, traveler and film buff has already decided to host a Nepali film festival in Denmark.
Ma Khusi Chhu for its uniqueness and his favorite Sick City are the two selections he has made for now. He is looking for another film which he hopes to find by the end of this festival.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am currently working as a Business Affair Manager at South East Asian Art Conservation Center in Denmark. However, I have had a keen interest in exploring various parts of the world. I love traveling and getting to learn cultures around the world. I recently organized an Indonesian film festival in my country. Also, I write scripts for movies. ‘Reykjavik’ and ‘Whale Watching Massacre’ are two of the prominent films I have worked for. I am here in Nepal to conduct a discussion program and to get a better picture of Nepal and the Nepali film fraternity.
What interested you about Nepal?
I have a friend who lives here in Nepal. Also, a few of my friends have come here for trekking but I personally knew very little about the country. It was only a few months ago when my friend send me a couple of Nepali films. The film Sick City caught my attention. I knew it there and then that I had to show the film in Denmark.
What is it about Sick City that you liked?
I loved the story. Although a gangster movie, the film has so much to say and it does it wonderfully. I think storytelling is an extremely important part of any movie. Sadly, not many of the Nepali films I have seen have that quality.
What other drawbacks have you noticed in Nepali films?
From whatever little I have noticed I think Nepali films need better editors. The fact that many directors edit their own movies works as a drawback because they are so emotionally attached to the scenes. You need someone who can chop off unnecessary details and make the viewing a crisp experience for the viewers. I really hope young Nepali filmmakers are able to work on that and send me films for the event that I wish to organize in Denmark.
So you are organizing a film show?
Yes, we will dedicate the whole day for Nepali films. The date has been fixed for January 6. Currently I’m busy with all the arrangements for that very event. You see, we know Hollywood and Bollywood in Denmark but nobody really talks about Nepali films there. I think it would be an interesting affair for both the parties. I have had talks with director Murray Kerr and actor Arpan Thapa, they will both accompany me to Denmark for the show. I also have a short film and I’m looking for another one. So I will showcase three Nepali films in that one-day fest.
Planning on taking it further?
I want to make this a yearly event. Next year I would like to make this a longer event, maybe a two or three day thing. Also, I would really like to take Nepali music and art to Denmark. I will encourage the Nepali youth to come forward with their ideas during my talk session at KIMFF too.
Meet Torsten Hvas, at Nepal Tourism Board Auditorium, Exhibition Road at KIMFF on Sunday at his discussion program at 3:30 pm.
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