Kathmandu, January 16
The Nepal Film and Cultural Academy is all set to host the eighth edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) March 20 to 24.
This year, the festival received over 600 film submissions from 70 countries, out of which 87 films from 40 countries have been selected for screening. Many of these films have already been featured at renowned international festivals such as Busan, Cannes, Locarno, and Berlinale.
NIFF 2025 will be categorized into national and international sections, with awards recognizing the best feature films, short films, and documentaries in both categories.
A notable addition this year is a new competition for films centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) or created using AI technologies. According to the organisers, this category aims to introduce audiences to the evolving intersection of technology and storytelling.
The festival’s screenings will take place at QFX Cinemas, Civil Mall, and Chhaya Center, continuing a successful collaboration with QFX Cinemas. Additionally, the NIFF FORUM will host discussions, debates, masterclasses, and workshops at the Nepal Tourism Board and Rastriya Sabha Griha (City Hall), Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
Awards and Honors
Under the international competition:
- The Gautam Buddha Award for Best Feature Film comes with a cash prize of USD 1,500 and the NIFF Trophy.
- The Mount Everest Award for Best Documentary includes USD 1,000 and a trophy.
- The Bagmati Award for Best Short Film will offer USD 500 and a trophy.
- The newly introduced Manjushree Award for the Best AI Film includes USD 500 and a trophy.
In the national competition:
- Best Feature Film will receive NPR 100,000 and a trophy.
- Best Short Film and Best Documentary will each receive NPR 50,000 and a trophy.
- Special trophies will honor the Best Director in the short film category and the Best Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Actor, and Actress in the feature film category.
Additionally, 12 international and 4 national feature films will be contenders for the prestigious IFFS Don Quixote Award, granted by the International Federation of Film Societies (IFFS).
