Kupinde Film Tourism Festival’ Successfully Concluded at Kupinde Lake

The second day of the “3rd Karnali International Film Festival” organized with the objective of linking the tourism and film sectors of the Karnali Province was grandly held at Salyan’s famous tourist destination, Kupinde Lake, as the ‘Kupinde Film Tourism Festival.’ This event successfully highlighted Salyan’s tourism development and its potential as a film filming destination on a national level.

Presided over by Karna Bahadur Budhathoki, Mayor of Bangad Kupinde Municipality, the ceremony saw an enthusiastic participation of over 750 people. Embracing the festival’s hospitality, the local government expressed its commitment to developing Kupinde Lake into a ‘hub’ for film tourism.

Remarks by the Chief Guest

The Chief Guest, Federal Member of Parliament Ramesh Malla, thanked the organizers for bringing the 3rd Karnali International Film Festival to Kupinde Lake. He noted that the event has brought national visibility to Salyan’s tourism and filming prospects. Stressing the need for effective coordination between the Federal, Provincial, and Local governments for the holistic development of Kupinde Lake, he stated:

“I will personally and officially dedicate myself to integrating the Kupinde region into the Tourism Master Plan and laying the foundation for Cinema Tourism here. It is my resolve to prioritize infrastructure development for this area in the upcoming budget and policies.”

Distinguished Personalities in Attendance

The event was graced by high-profile figures, including:

• Suresh Adhikari: Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment (Karnali Province)

• Ghanshyam Bhandari: Minister for Social Development (Karnali Province)

• Dinesh DC: Executive Chairman, Film Development Board

• Top Bahadur BC: Chairperson, Gurans Rural Municipality, Dailekh

Film Industry Icons & Artists: The ceremony saw a significant presence of industry stalwarts, including producer/director Santosh Sen, writer/director Bikas Subedi, actor/producer Prem Puri, and singers Sapana Shahi, Sangita Baduwal, and Shakti Chand, alongside local artists and people’s representatives.