Kathmandu Film Festival Inaugurates with Shabana Azmi and Marco Müller as Honored Guests

The inaugural Kathmandu Film Festival (KFF), a vibrant new event dedicated to celebrating cinematic artistry, is preparing to welcome esteemed figures from the global film community. This exciting initiative by Kathmandu Metropolitan City aims to shine a spotlight on both local and international independent films, fostering a rich environment for cultural exchange and artistic appreciation.

Kathmandu Film Festival Unveils Inaugural Program with Acclaimed Guests

From October 30 to November 1, 2026, the majestic city of Kathmandu, Nepal, will host its very first Film Festival. This groundbreaking three-day event is proud to announce the participation of legendary Indian actor Shabana Azmi and distinguished film critic and historian Marco Müller, who will grace the festival as honored guests.

Organized by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the KFF is designed to showcase an impressive array of cinematic talent. The festival's program includes the International Panorama, featuring a curated selection of global contemporary independent cinema; the Nepal Panorama Shorts, highlighting emerging local filmmakers; and a special section dedicated to restored Nepali features, including 'Kumari,' widely recognized as the country's first color film. In total, 40 films from 14 nations will be presented across various venues, such as Basantapur, City Hall, the Nepal Tourism Board, Jai Nepal Cinema, and Taragaon.

Notable international selections include Marine Atlan's 'La Gradiva,' which premiered at Cannes, and Shahrbanoo Sadat's 'No Good Men,' a Berlin Film Festival debut. Ramyata Limbu, the artistic director of KFF, emphasized that the international panorama serves as a carefully curated platform for powerful narratives, distinctive voices, and diverse cultural viewpoints. The Nepal panorama shorts, she added, will feature compelling stories from Nepal crafted by burgeoning local talent. Additionally, a shorts program will focus on Yamagata, Japan, another UNESCO Creative City of Film, commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan and aiming to strengthen ties between the two cities.

Beyond film screenings, the festival's diverse schedule encompasses a heritage walk, master classes, and engaging conversations with filmmakers. Prizes will be awarded in the youth video challenge and Nepal panorama categories. While most screenings are free to the public, certain events may require advance booking.

Sunita Dangol, Kathmandu's acting mayor, underscored the city's unique cultural tapestry, shaped by its indigenous communities and the vibrant traditions, languages, arts, and music brought by people from across Nepal. This rich blend, she stated, makes the city exceptionally dynamic. Dangol also highlighted the profound role of stories during challenging times, such as the recent floods in Nepal. She believes that narratives help individuals process experiences, connect with others, heal, and find the resilience to move forward, positioning KFF as a unifying festival that bridges the city's rich heritage with contemporary cinema and the global film community.

The Kathmandu Film Festival represents a beacon of hope and cultural revitalization for Nepal, especially in the wake of recent adversities. By bringing together diverse voices and stories from across the globe, the festival not only celebrates the art of filmmaking but also fosters a deeper understanding and connection among people. It underscores the power of cinema to heal, to inspire, and to unite, proving that even in challenging times, art can provide a path forward and a space for shared humanity. This inaugural event sets a promising precedent for Kathmandu's future as a dynamic hub for film and cultural exchange, offering a platform for local narratives to resonate globally and for international perspectives to enrich the local community.