Welcome to The Karnali International Film Festival

Karnali Province is home to Nepal’s oldest civilization, rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diversity. However, its lifestyle, history, tourist destinations, and social issues have not been adequately highlighted through cinema. As a result, the region’s abundant cultural heritage and tourism potential remain largely unexplored, posing a significant challenge. Additionally, climate change has profoundly impacted Karnali’s natural environment and the daily lives of its people. Despite its potential, the development of tourism and the film industry in Karnali has not received the attention it deserves.
To address these challenges and bring Karnali’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and climate-related issues to national and international attention, the Karnali International Film Festival was conceptualized. This festival aims to present Karnali from a new perspective, raising awareness and sparking discussions about the future of tourism, cinema, and climate conservation.
Last year, the first-ever Karnali International Film Festival 2024 was successfully organized, marking a historic event for Karnali. The first two days of the festival took place in the federal capital, Kathmandu, followed by the third day in the provincial capital, Surkhet, and the final day in Gurans, a tourist destination in Dailekh. The festival featured various programs and discussions on critical topics such as cinema, tourism, and climate conservation, with expert participation in multiple sessions. By highlighting Karnali’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and social issues, the festival gained significance at regional, national, and international levels.