Kathmandu Film Festival To Begin Friday With Shabana Azmi, Marco Müller And Free Screenings Of 40 Films

Kathmandu, October 28, 2026

Kathmandu Metropolitan City is set to organize the first Kathmandu Film Festival 2026 from October 30 to November 1 at several locations across the capital, bringing together international cinema personalities, Nepali filmmakers, and film enthusiasts. The three-day event will begin on Friday at Basantapur and aims to promote Kathmandu's cultural heritage, support emerging filmmakers, and connect Nepal's film industry with global cinema through screenings, discussions, masterclasses, and competitions.

International Stars Arriving

Renowned Indian actress Shabana Azmi, film scholar Marco Müller, Japanese filmmaker Takayuki Nakamura, and Indian film programmer Deepti D'Cunha are among the international personalities expected to participate.

Azmi will join a special discussion titled Films, Festivals and a Life Well Lived at the Nepal Tourism Board on October 31. The conversation will explore her career, experiences in cinema, and the importance of film festivals.

On November 1, Müller, associated with the Shanghai Film Academy, will conduct a masterclass focusing on film aesthetics and the international festival circuit. Nakamura will also share insights into Japan's Yamagata UNESCO Creative City of Film initiative.

40 Films From 14 Countries

The festival is expected to showcase around 40 films from 14 countries, including Nepal, India, the United States, Australia, France, and South Korea.

The lineup includes international productions such as The King's Warden, Dear You, Bayaan, and La Gradiva, alongside the Hollywood classic The Godfather.

Special screenings of classic Nepali films, including Kumari and Ke Ghar Ke Dera, are also planned to celebrate the country's cinematic history.

Screenings and festival activities will take place at venues including Basantapur, Rastriya Sabha Griha, Jai Nepal Cinema, the Nepal Tourism Board, and Taragaon Next Museum in Boudha.

Opportunities For Nepali Filmmakers

A major highlight is the Nepal Panorama Shorts program, designed to provide exposure to emerging Nepali filmmakers and independent storytellers.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City received 75 film submissions through an open call and announced the selection of 10 films. Each selected film is set to receive Rs 1 lakh as an incentive to encourage local filmmaking.

The festival will also feature a youth video challenge titled My Culture, My Heritage. Of the 35 videos submitted, 11 have been selected to highlight Kathmandu's traditions, architecture, cultural practices, and local identity through young creators' perspectives.

Kathmandu's Global Film Identity

The festival follows Kathmandu's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Film in November 2023, a designation that placed the capital within an international network of cities promoting creativity and cultural development.

Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol has emphasized that the festival is intended to become a continuing initiative rather than a one-time celebration.

The Metropolitan City hopes to use cinema to document Kathmandu's cultural identity, preserve traditional stories, encourage young artists, and strengthen relationships between Nepali and international filmmakers.

Free Entry For Audiences

All film screenings will be free for the public, although visitors must obtain complimentary tickets to reserve seats.

The festival will also include panel discussions, cultural activities, and opportunities for students and aspiring filmmakers to learn from experienced international professionals.

By combining international cinema with Nepal's artistic heritage, the Kathmandu Film Festival aims to introduce local stories to wider audiences while creating new opportunities for the country's growing film industry.