Nepal needs to be developed as attractive destination for film tourism, says President Paudel

President Ram Chandra Paudel has mentioned the need to develop Nepal as an attractive destination for film tourism. He was addressing the National and Special Film Awards and Felicitation Ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas recently.

On the occasion, he said that Nepal’s unique geographical diversity, ranging from the Himalayas to the hills and the Tarai makes the country itself a natural film studio. Expressing belief said that this diversity, if exploited properly, could contribute positively not only to the film industry but also to employment, tourism, and the national economy.

President Paudel said that films can powerfully express themes such as national folk art, stories, songs, music, language, literature, culture, cultural identity, nationalism, originality, and the identities of various ethnic groups and linguistic communities.

He added that need to create artistic, meaningful, and contextually relevant Nepali films that reflect originality, and to reach global audience in this era of globalisation and information technology.

On the occasion, President Paudel honoured writer and director Laxmi Nath Sharma with the Life Time Achievement Award, and conferred Special Contribution Awards to 11 individuals and National Film Awards to another 11 individuals.

On the occasion Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung was also present. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award accompanied by a cash prize of Rs 375,000, was conferred upon veteran writer-director Laxminath Sharma honoring his decades-long devotion to Nepali cinema.

‘Shambhala’, directed by Min Bahadur Bham, was declared Best Film of the year. Bham also took home the Best Director Award for his artistic contribution. Bijay Baral won Best Actor Award for his powerful performance in ‘Purna Bahadurko Sarangi’, while Upasana Singh Thakuri was named Best Actress for her heartfelt portrayal in ‘Khusma’.

The ceremony also recognized contributions across 9 key categories and honored individuals for their lifelong impact on the cine industry. Best Film Award was given to Shambhala, Best Actor Award was given to Bijay Baral for Purna Bahadur ko Sarangi, Best Actress Award was given to Upashana Singh Thakuri for Khusma.

Simalrly, Best Director Award to Min Bahadur Bham for Shambhala, Best Editor Award to Bharat Regmi for Pujar Sarki, Best Cinematographer Award to Purushottam Pradhan for Pitambar, Best Writer Award to Deepak Raj Giri for Chhakka Panja 5 and Best Indigenous Language Film Award to Gaalaye Wana, the film in Nepal Bhasha.

Jury Encouragement Award was given to Actor Pradeep Khadka for Pujar Sarki.

Special Contribution Honours awarded to Prem Subba (Artist), Devika Bandana (Singer), Dirgha Gurung (Cinematographer), Anup Baral (Actor/Director), Surakshya Panta (Actor), Nakim Uddin (Exhibitor), Uttam KC (Actor), Anju Ranjitkar (Actor) and Nikhil Upreti (Actor/Director).

Likewise, Special Film Awards were given to Che (Limbu Language) and Dilsara (Magar Language)

Posthumous Special Contribution Award was given to Late Shravan Maske (Lighting Technician), who tragically passed away during the filming of Chino 36 years ago.