Kathmandu — The second edition of the Kathmandu Horror Film Festival (KHFF) officially opened on Friday, October 30, at Russian House, Kamal Pokhari, bringing together horror, fantasy, folklore and genre cinema.
The opening ceremony combined music and traditional Nepali cultural performances with the festival’s cinematic theme. A piano performance by Sarthak Manandhar and a traditional Lakhey dance were among the highlights of the inauguration, adding a strong local cultural element to the event.
Organised by the Nepal Film & Cultural Academy (NFCA), the three-day festival runs from October 30 to November 1. The festival was first held in 2025 and is dedicated to horror and related genres.
This year’s selection features 26 films from 21 countries, including eight feature films and 18 short films. Five of the selected works are Nepali productions or co-productions, giving local filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work alongside international genre films.
The selected films explore horror, thriller, supernatural, dark fantasy and folklore-based storytelling. Nepali selections include titles such as KNAR, Sinner, Lakhey and A.L.I.C.E., alongside international films from several countries.
Festival director Rashik Pathak has said the festival aims to provide a platform for genre filmmakers while using horror and fantasy to explore subjects including folklore, psychology, society and identity.
The festival will continue with film screenings and related programmes through November 1, concluding with the closing programme and Audience Choice awards.
