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KATHMANDU, March 21: Nepali short film Taste of Water is heading to Germany after being selected for the 72nd edition of the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, one of the world’s leading platforms for short films.
The film will compete in the Children and Youth Competition – Official Selection, a category that highlights meaningful, relatable storytelling with universal appeal.
Produced by Risalla Production in association with Everest Film Academy, one of Nepal’s prominent film academies, and Simal Cinema, the film is written and directed by Aayan Pariyar.
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“Achievements like this will encourage young filmmakers and film students to reach for the international stage,”said Bishal Shrestha, Managing Director of Everest Film Academy.
Produced by Diwas Shrestha, Jyotsal Rajbhandari, and Prem Prasad Adhikary, the film features Sharad Mahato as director of photography and Sumitra Kalikote as assistant director.
The story follows nine-year-old Bire, who lives with his family in a small Nepali town facing economic hardship. After tasting water from a stranger’s hand pump—unexpectedly sweet—he quietly returns to it, seeking a small taste of hope. Through Bire’s journey, the film explores childhood innocence, poverty, and the search for simple moments of comfort.
The cast includes Afanta BK, Anup Dotel, Sonika Shahi Thakuri, Chandra Nepali, and Kamala Parajuli, while the technical team features editor Animesh Sapkota, colorist Krishna Bhandari, and music composers Sabin Maharjan and Sarun Manandhar.
The selection is seen as a milestone for Nepali cinema, providing an opportunity to showcase local stories on a global stage.
