Govt to support film industry promotion: Dr. Timilsina

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, July 21: A Chinese delegation led by LI Hongshu, founding president of the Everest International Film Festival, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina on Monday. 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation between Nepal and China regarding film, culture and tourism promotion.

On the occasion, Minister Dr. Timilsina expressed confidence that international film festivals would further strengthen cultural ties between Nepal and China, stating that the government is ready to extend necessary support to such initiatives.

 He said film festivals not only help deepen people-to-people relations but also play an important role in promoting tourism, adding that bilateral cooperation should continue based on mutual interest and shared benefit.

The Minister noted that China is one of Nepal’s major sources of international tourists and said films could serve as an effective medium for promoting Nepal’s natural heritage, culture and tourist destinations on the global stage. 

LI Hongshu, leader of the Chinese delegation and founding president of the Everest International Film Festival, said Nepal is one of China’s close friends. He said Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and favourable environment make it an excellent destination for film production. He added that the country is well suited to hosting international events that promote cultural exchange, tourism and stronger people-to-people ties.

The festival took place in Changsha and Hengyang cities of Hunan Province from April 14 to 19, marking the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. 

A total of 23 Nepali films were submitted for the festival, of which 11 were shortlisted in the preliminary selection. 

Following the Chinese censorship process, six films Anjila, Chhakka Panja 5, Tel Visa, Mahajatra, Kabaddi 4 and Hostel 3 received final approval for screening. The films were screened in cinemas in Changsha and Hengyang with Chinese subtitles after obtaining approval from the relevant Chinese authorities.

Dahal also informed that the award presentation ceremony for the winning films will be held at the Film Development Board in Kathmandu on 21 July.