Brussels, December 3
The Nepali Film Festival, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, commenced on Monday at Cinema Flagey, Brussels. The three-day event celebrates 50 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and the European Union, showcasing 12 Nepali films to an international audience.
The festival opened with A Road to Village (Gaun Aayeko Bato), directed by Nabin Subba. Alongside the film screenings, an art exhibition titled Mitrata was inaugurated. The exhibition, running until December 8, features works by four young Nepali photographers selected through a competition held in Nepal. These photographs were first displayed at Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu, in August, where a winner was chosen.
The first day of the festival also screened films, including Dhye Dreams, One Night in Kathmandu, No Winter Holidays, and The Bull, The Cow and the Calf. The event is free and open to the public, drawing attention from both locals and the Nepali diaspora.
The opening ceremony saw participation from EU delegates, members of the Nepali community in Belgium, representatives from the Embassy of Nepal to Belgium and the European Union, and the Non-Resident Nepali Belgium Chapter.
Rensje Teerink, Deputy Director for Asia Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), highlighted the significance of Nepal-EU relations during the inauguration.
“Nepal has always remained close to my heart. This festival is a part of cultural exchange through film,” she said. “The films being showcased promote the diverse culture of Nepal.”
Rooush Karki, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Nepal to Belgium and the European Union, emphasized the cultural and diplomatic value of the event.
“This festival offers a unique experience of connecting with Nepali stories,” he said. “The films reflect the dynamic changes in Nepali society and serve as a testament to cultural diplomacy.”
According to the organisers, the festival aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through the lens of Nepali cinema, celebrating the shared values and evolving relationship between Nepal and the European Union.
