Karnali Political Leaders Panel Discuss at KIFF - Karnali International Film Festival

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March 9, 2025

After the inauguration ceremony of the Karnali International Film Festival, a political discussion was held with Karnali’s top political leaders on the potential of film tourism in the region.

The panel discussion featured Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel, former Chief Minister Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, former State Minister Kunti Sahi, and former Minister Ramkumari Jhakri. The session was moderated by journalist Kalendra Sejuwal.

The speakers stated that Karnali has immense potential for tourism and is a suitable location for film shooting. Inaugurating the festival, Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, mentioned that the provincial government is in the process of drafting legislation for the establishment of a Pragya Academy, which will also encompass the film sector. Former Chief Minister Jeevan Bahadur Shahi expressed the view that while the “motion” (चल) exists within the industry, the “picture” (चित्र) resides in Karnali, highlighting the region’s lagging development in film and tourism.

Summary:

Recognizing Karnali’s immense potential for film and tourism, the provincial government committed to implementing policies to support their growth. The discussion concluded that while the film industry is centered in Kathmandu, the scenic beauty and stories of Karnali should be seriously leveraged for filmmaking, and the government will take concrete steps to advance this vision.

The Karnali International Film Festival has been supported by the Film Development Board, Nepal Tourism Board, Karnali Provincial Government, Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment, Birendranagar Municipality, Gurans Rural Municipality, Kushe Rural Municipality, Mahabai Rural Municipality, Tatopani Rural Municipality, S.J. International, Nabil Bank, Muktinath Development Bank, Expert Education & Visa, National Life Insurance, Hotel Shubha, and various other organizations.