Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal Cultural and Film Centre Unveils the Sixth Nepal Cultural International Film Festival 2025
Kathmandu, Nepal – The Nepal Cultural and Film Centre proudly announces the 6th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) 2025, set to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2025, in Kathmandu. Organized in collaboration with the Film Development Board Nepal and promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board, this year’s festival promises to be a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The opening ceremony will be held at Q’s Cinemas, Rising Mall, and the closing ceremony at the Film Development Board Nepal. “The Voice” is associated with as its media partner.
Press Meet Highlights
On January 21, 2025, a press meet was organized at Hotel Pabera Heritage Boutique, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal, where Mr. Rupesh Adhikari, Secretary of the festival, officially announced the press release and shared details about the upcoming event.
Speaking at the event, national jury member Shambhujeet Baskota, former Chairman of the Film Development Board and a legendary singer, expressed his excitement, stating:
“I am very much excited to attend the festival as it promotes Nepal’s tourism, culture, and arts.”
National jury member Tikaram Yatri, a senior journalist, highlighted the festival’s cultural significance, saying:
“I am associated as a jury member because of the festival’s focus on cultural aspects. I urge all film lovers to attend the festival and watch the semifinalist films, which are free of entry.”
Mr. Santosh Subedi, Director of the festival, shared:
“All preparations have been finalized, and our team is ready to welcome the delegates, guests, and international jury members. The closing ceremony will also feature a cultural program celebrating Nepal’s rich heritage.”
Festival Overview
Screenings: A lineup of 98 semifinalist films from 47 countries, selected from 400 submissions, will be showcased.
Special Events: Masterclasses, panel discussions, and an art exhibition will offer opportunities for learning and creative exchange.
Participating Countries
Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America.
National and International Juries
National Juries
Shambhujeet Baskota – Former Chairman of the Film Development Board and Legendary Singer
Mithila Sharma – Senior Artist
Tikaram Yatri – Senior Journalist
Pradeep Khadka – Famous Actor
Dipendra K. Khanal – Film Director
Surakshya Panta – Famous Actress
Ranuk Bikram Kandel – Film Director/Producer
Dinesh Lindgen – Film Director
International Juries
Judy Gladstone (Canada) – Film Director
Eva Daoud (Bahrain) – Director, Producer, and Writer
Luisa Pretolani (United Kingdom) – Director, Writer
Fabien Matthias (Germany) – Filmmaker
Nipon Dholua (India) – Film Director
Tima Taghizadeh (Iran) – Actress, Writer, Director
Evin Berazi (Germany) – Filmmaker, Media Personality
Irina Shatalova (Russia) – Director, Producer
Special Events
Art Exhibition: A curated showcase of artworks inspired by cinema and culture.
Masterclass: Sessions led by international filmmakers to inspire emerging talents.
Panel Discussions: Insightful dialogues on cinema’s role in human rights, environmental conservation, and cultural diplomacy.
Grand Closing Ceremony
The festival will conclude on February 1, 2025, with an award ceremony at the Film Development Board Nepal, celebrating the best films and talents, followed by a cultural program and networking opportunities for filmmakers, guests, and media.
Quote from Santosh Subedi, Chairman, Nepal Cultural and Film Centre:
“The Nepal Cultural International Film Festival 2025 is a testament to the power of films to connect cultures and spark meaningful conversations. We are thrilled to host this celebration in the heart of Nepal.”
Mr. Dastagir Jahangir (Editor, The Voice) commented “Such events will inspire young talent in filmmaking and promote children’s, women’s, cultural and youth films globally in a meaningful and inspiring way. Through many talented filmmakers from different countries, the story of life at the edge of the world will emerge. This festival will turn out to be a great cultural gathering, I applaud such arrangements.”
The NCIFF invites students and independent filmmakers to attend and learn from guest experts and judges about film making, related media, and the film business. Festival sponsorships will be used to produce the festival film and bring filmmakers and artists to the host city. Industry professionals are also invited to attend and share cultural diversity.
During the festival, there will be panel discussions on human rights, featuring human rights activists, filmmakers, organizations, experts, NGOs, and INGOs. A separate master class with international guests will be organized for national and international filmmakers. The selected films will be screened with Q&A sessions with filmmakers, directors, and producers.
The festival showcases films from award-winning filmmakers around the world and sets the standard for good films that are entertaining, clean, inspiring, and filled with moral values.
Awards & Prizes
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Best International Feature Film Award
Best international Human Rights Film Award
Best International Short Film Award
Best International Documentary Film Award
Best International Women Film Award
Best International Children Film Award
Best International Environment Film Award
Best International Jury Award
Best International special mention Award
Best International Actor Award
Best International Actress Award
Best International Cinematography Award
Best International script Award
Best International Director Award
NATIONAL AWARDS For Nepal Only
Best National Feature Film Award
Best National Short Film Award
Best National Documentary Film Award
Best National Women Film Award
Best National Children Film Award
Best National Environmental Film Award
Best National Cultural Film Award
Best National Jury Award
Best National Special mention Award
Best National Actor Award
Best National Actress Award
Best National Director Award
Best National Cinematography Award
Best National Script Award.
Rules & Terms
The films produced during 2020 and 2024 will be eligible to participate in this section. The films need to be based on at least one aspect of society and culture. They could be among above categories. The films need to fulfill all the criteria set by the organizing committee.
Rules and regulations:
-Provide films and a brief introduction to the film along with a signed cover letter.
-Films in languages other than Nepali must have subtitles in English.
-Two copies of the films must be In Mini DV or DVD in PAL format except for online submission.
-The submitted copies will not be returned and will be archived in the Film Center.
-If selected the film Center may ask theatrical format based on the film festival venues.
-The film center will not cover expenses to and from the festival for the DVD’s as well any other expenses incurred.
-The Film Festival will not return entries or refund entry fees.
-The Fees are waived submissions from Nepal due to inconvenience of online payment
Selection of Film
-The selection committee formed by the Film Center will select the films.
-Film selection decisions made by the selection committee will be final.
-Cinematic value, creativity as well as social complexity will be given a high consideration.
-Selected films will be asked for the publicity material for the festival.
-The Film Center will not disclose the reason for the film not being selected.
-Films submitted later than deadline will not be accepted. Any submission received after the submission deadline will not be reviewed for 2024, but will be forwarded to the selection pool for 2025.
Jury and awards:
A jury committee of national and international film experts will be formed. The jury committee will select the films for a selection of awards. All films will be recognized by the film festival.