Kathmandu, Nepal – The 6th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) 2025 concluded with a grand closing ceremony on February 1st, 2025, at the Film Development Board, Nepal. The festival, held from January 30th to February 1st at Q’s Rising Cinemas, Darbarmarg, successfully showcased 98 films from 47 countries, celebrating global cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
A Spectacular Celebration of Cinema and Culture
The festival featured a dynamic lineup of events, including masterclasses, an art exhibition, and panel discussions, enriching both filmmakers and audiences. The opening ceremony, graced by the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Cooperative Ministry of Bagmati Province, marked the beginning of an extraordinary three-day journey of film and cultural appreciation.
The closing ceremony was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung, alongside dignitaries from the Nepal Culture and Film Centre, national and international jury members. The evening was marked by enthralling cultural performances, including a band singing Nepali tunes to energize delegates, a Chaupad dance by Pritma School, the bamboo dance by students of Akshrika School, and a mesmerizing Nepali cultural dance performance.
Honoring Excellence in Cinema
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the prestigious awards presentation, recognizing outstanding achievements in both national and international cinema.
International Award Winners:
- Best International Feature Film: Poovu (Flower) – India
- Best International Short Film: Sauda (The Trade) – Bangladesh
- Best International Women Film: The Reunion – Russia
- Best International Children Film: Lust for Freedom – Vietnam
- Best International Documentary Film: Nuraga Bhumi – Canada
- Best International Environmental Film: The Soul of Jasmine – Spain
- Best International Human Rights Film: American Foulbrood – USA
- Best International Animation Film: Flower of the Partisan – South Africa
- Best International Actor: Manjulian K.V. (Poovu (Flower), India)
- Best International Actress: Euricke Rache Tuwa (Umpwe, Germany)
- Best International Cinematographer: Jose Luis Alcaine (Speak Sunlight, Spain)
- Best International Writer: Alessandro Leone (Out There, Italy)
- Best International Director: Giovanni M Zeko (La Luce, USA)
- Best International Jury Mention: The Temple of Eternal Sound – Argentina
- Best International Special Mention: Lockdown Garden Diary – UK
- Best International Aventoz Popular Award: Said With Me – Germany
- Best International Encouragement Award: Giant Puppets for Dignified Menstruation – Nepal
National Award Winners:
- Best National Feature Film: Bulaki – Laxman Sunar
- Best National Short Film: Ritto Gaun – Ramji Gwali
- Best National Women Film: Period – Rewati Gurung
- Best National Children Film: The School’s Wall – Mohan Shrestha
- Best National Documentary Film: No Monastery No Village – Tashi Lhazom
- Best National Cultural Film: Chipgua Neela – Yoban Shakya
- Best National Actor: Aryan Sigdel (Pujar Shark)
- Best National Actress: Anjana Baraili (Pujar Shark)
- Best National Cinematographer: Shiva Dhakal (Bulaki)
- Best National Writer: Sanil Das (Pujar Shark)
- Best National Director: Dinesh Raut (Pujar Shark)