KATHMANDU, May 28: The Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) has launched its 23rd edition with the Nepal premiere of Shape of Momo, the debut feature by filmmaker Tribeny Rai, according to a press release issued by the festival.
Speaking at the opening, director Tribeny Rai said, “Spaces like KIMFF can become vital starting points in the journey of filmmakers like us,” reflecting on the challenges and personal journey behind bringing the film to life.
The screening marked the start of a five-day festival featuring cinema, discussions, and storytelling, officially inaugurated with a ceremonial gong struck by Hon. Khadak Raj Paudel, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The minister highlighted the importance of storytelling through cinema and celebrating diverse narratives as an integral part of culture.
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According to the press release, this year’s edition brings together over 50 films from 29 countries, including fiction, documentaries, shorts, and adventure films. The Nepal Panorama section highlights local voices from emerging and established Nepali filmmakers. The festival is being held at QFX Chhaya Centre, Thamel, and will run until May 31.
Festival Director Ramyata Limbu, as quoted in the press release, said the selected films reflect “diverse narratives about people, culture, and a rapidly changing world,” adding that the festival aims to foster creativity and sensitivity within film communities.
Filmmaker Abinash Bikram Shah, director of Elephants in the Fog, also shared reflections on his journey with KIMFF and the importance of finding deeper meaning in visual storytelling.
The opening ceremony also featured a live pitching session showcasing nine South Asian documentary projects under the Kathmandu Doc Lab, mentored by filmmakers Anam Abbas (Pakistan-Canada), Arun Bhattarai (Bhutan), and Sarvnik Kaur (India).
According to the press release, this year’s international jury is headed by Deepti DCunha (India), along with Chalida Uabumrungjit (Thailand), Kumar Nagarkoti (Nepal), and Luca Bich (Italy). The Nepal Panorama jury includes Lucie De Barros (France), Nabin Chauhan (Nepal), and Reena Moktan (Nepal).
Marking 70 years of Nepal–Switzerland diplomatic relations, KIMFF will also host a special conversation titled Alpine Alliances: New Wave of Nepali Cinema, focusing on Swiss partnerships in film development.
The festival will additionally feature a special screening of Climbing for Life by Japanese filmmaker Sakamoto Junji, based on the life of Junko Tabei, the first woman to climb Mount Everest, as part of the anniversary celebrations.
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