Kathmandu — The Kathmandu Film Festival is set to take place from October 30 to November 1, 2026, bringing Nepali and international films, discussions and cultural activities to venues across the capital. The festival is being organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City to promote cinema, creative industries and Kathmandu’s cultural heritage.
The three-day festival will feature more than 40 films from 10 countries, including feature films, documentaries and short films under sections such as Nepal Panorama, International Panorama and the Youth Video Challenge.
Film screenings and festival activities will be held at venues including Basantapur, National City Hall, Nepal Tourism Board, Jai Nepal Cinema and Taragaon Next Museum. The programme will include both cinema-hall screenings and open-air presentations.
The festival will open on October 30 with activities at Basantapur, including the Kathmandu Film Festival Heritage Run, followed by an open-air screening. The opening programme will also feature the classic Nepali film Sindoor.
The festival will include a red-carpet event, master classes, panel discussions, interactive sessions and an awards ceremony. Special screenings of classic Nepali films, including Kumari, Ke Ghar Ke Dera and Sindoor, will highlight Nepal’s cinematic history.
International films from countries including China, India, Australia, France, South Korea, Singapore and the United States are also scheduled to be screened. The programme will provide audiences with an opportunity to explore different filmmaking styles and stories from Nepal and abroad.
The festival also aims to provide opportunities for young and emerging filmmakers. The Youth Video Challenge has selected films from submissions by young creators, while the Nepal Panorama section will showcase Nepali documentary, fiction, animation and experimental works.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has said the festival will connect cinema, education, local communities and creative industries, while also presenting Kathmandu’s culture and heritage to national and international audiences.
The main festival programme will run from October 30 to November 1 (Kartik 13–15) at various venues across Kathmandu.
