Nepal Pavilion approved for Cannes Film Festival 2026 under NTB–FDB MoU
Kathmandu—A four-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Film Development Board (FDB) to promote Nepal’s tourism through cinema, with Nepal’s official participation at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 confirmed under the agreement.
The MoU was signed at the NTB auditorium on Wednesday by Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, and Mr. Dinesh Raj Dahal, Executive Chairperson of the Film Development Board. NTB Senior Manager Mr. Surya Thapaliya said the agreement was being implemented under the approved programs and budget for Fiscal Year 2082/83.
Nepal Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival 2026
As a key provision, an official Nepal Pavilion was to be established annually at the Cannes Film Festival to promote Nepali films and showcase Nepal’s tourism destinations to an international audience. The initiative was aimed at strengthening Nepal’s presence in global film markets while expanding tourism promotion through cinema.
International-Standard Film Festival Planned in Pokhara
An international-standard film festival was planned in Pokhara to develop the city as a meeting point of cinema and tourism. The event was expected to support destination branding and encourage film-related tourism activities.
Set-Jetting and Joint International Promotion
The MoU also included commitments to launch an audio-visual storytelling campaign, produce film-tourism promotional materials, and promote set-jetting (travel inspired by films). Joint promotion in international exhibitions and markets was also planned, alongside support for infrastructure development and campaign-based promotion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Dinesh Raj Dahal described the partnership as the beginning of a long-term journey, adding that Nepal’s presence at Cannes would be ensured each year to position the country’s film sector on the global stage. The tourism value created by filming locations after movie releases was also highlighted.
NTB CEO Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi said film tourism had been prioritized to brand Nepal as the “Land of Memorable Stories.” He stressed the need for policy reforms, simplified permits, and stronger facilitation to attract productions, adding that deeper coordination between tourism promotion and the film sector could be expanded through major global events.
The collaboration was expected to help draw visitors to lesser-known destinations, boost local economies, create jobs, and strengthen cultural exchange, officials said.
