Nepali Film Gauthali Wins Best Foreign Film Award At Cannes-Based Festival, Continuing Father's Cinematic Legacy

Kathmandu, October 28, 2026

Nepali filmmaker Dr. Kapil Rijal's Gauthali has won the Best Foreign Film award at the World Film Festival in Cannes – Remember the Future, an independent international film competition based in France. The recognition comes after the film received two nominations in the festival's October 2026 competition and was selected for the upcoming Beijing Lift-Off Film Festival. The award brings international attention to the Nepali social drama, which explores child marriage, women's education, and discrimination.

International Award Victory

Gauthali secured the Best Foreign Film award after being nominated in two categories: Best Foreign Film and Best Narrative Feature Film.

The festival's winner announcement features the Nepali production alongside director Kapil Rijal's name, confirming its recognition in the Best Foreign Film category.

The film competed in the category alongside international productions, including Switzerland's Cancer-Soul and India's Mayookha.

The World Film Festival in Cannes operates independently of the prestigious Festival de Cannes, commonly known as the Cannes Film Festival.

A Father's Cinematic Legacy

The victory holds special significance for director Kapil Rijal, whose father, Dr. Bhola Rijal, created a musical film titled Gauthali approximately 25 years ago.

The younger Rijal has carried forward that creative legacy through a new production addressing important social issues.

Reflecting on the achievement, Rijal dedicated the recognition to the people involved in the film and expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, audiences, journalists, and supporters in Nepal and abroad.

For the director, the award represents both a professional milestone and a meaningful continuation of his family's contribution to Nepali cinema.

Recognition Beyond Cannes

Alongside its Cannes-based festival recognition, Gauthali has also received an official selection for the Beijing Lift-Off Film Festival, scheduled for November 2026.

The festival is part of the Lift-Off Global Network, which supports independent filmmakers and helps their work reach wider international audiences.

Earlier, Kapil Rijal received the Best Director (Man) award at the Autumn Edition of France's RED Movie Awards 2026.

These achievements mark a series of international recognitions for the Nepali production.

Story Of Women's Struggles

Released in Nepal on July 17, 2026, Gauthali follows a young girl whose dream of continuing her education is interrupted by an early marriage.

Facing discrimination, abuse, and difficult family circumstances, she struggles to rebuild her life and pursue opportunities that society has restricted.

The film addresses issues including women's rights, child marriage, unequal access to education, and the importance of personal independence.

Cast And Production

The film stars Arun Chhetri and Simran Khadka in leading roles, alongside Madan Krishna Shrestha, Prakash Ghimire, Loonibha Tuladhar, and Rabindra Jha.

Based on a story by Dr. Bhola Rijal, Gauthali is presented by Bhola Rijal Productions and Suman Giri Productions.

Hari Humagain served as cinematographer, while Milan Shrestha handled editing.

Nepali Cinema On Global Stage

The Best Foreign Film award adds another international achievement to Gauthali's growing festival journey.

By presenting a story rooted in Nepali society, the film introduces international audiences to themes of education, social inequality, and women's determination.

Its success also highlights opportunities for Nepali filmmakers to share local stories with global audiences through international film competitions and festivals.