Advisory Board & Goodwill Ambassadors

Chief Patron

A renowned tourism entrepreneur and former FNCCI President who brings strategic leadership and industry expertise to the festival.

Advisor

The Action King of Nepali cinema brings more than four decades of acting experience and a lasting connection to filmmakers.

Advisor

A scholar, writer, and former Registrar of Mid-Western University who connects programming with Karnali culture.

Menuka Acharya

As a law student, Menuka Acharya has been actively involved for many years in social service, women’s empowerment, and professional legal practice. She serves as the Legal Advisor of the Karnali International Film Festival (KIFF).

Actor · Goodwill Ambassador

A leading star in Nepali cinema who champions Nepali films globally and inspires emerging filmmakers.

Actress · Goodwill Ambassador

An acclaimed actress and civil engineer who advocates for socially relevant and culturally grounded stories.

Festival Director

With decades of experience in social impact and environmental advocacy, he leads the festival at the intersection of cinema and community.

Press Coordinator

A respected film writer and critic who amplifies Nepali cinema and the festival’s conversations around storytelling.

Board Of Jury

Rekha Thapa

Actress, Director & Producer

Rekha Thapa is a prominent figure in Nepali cinema, with over two decades of experience as an actress, director, and producer. She has appeared in more than 100 films, including Kismat, Kali, Himmatwali, Rampyari, and Malika.

Known for portraying strong female characters and women-centered stories, she has played an important role in strengthening women’s representation and leadership in Nepali cinema.

As a director, her notable works include Himmatwali (2014) and Malika (2018), where she also contributed as an actress and writer.

With her extensive industry experience and strong artistic perspective, Rekha Thapa serves as a Jury Member of the Karnali International Film Festival (KIFF), bringing valuable insight and credibility to the festival’s film evaluation process.

Board Of Jury

Ram Sharan Pathak

Writer & Director

Ram Sharan Pathak is a versatile Nepali filmmaker, writer, screenwriter, and director known for his work in contemporary Nepali cinema. His notable credits include World Cup in Nepal, Prem Geet 2, and 100 Kada 10, along with screenplay and dialogue contributions to several films.

With strong expertise in storytelling, screenplay, and direction, Pathak brings valuable creative insight and cinematic perspective.

As a Jury Member of the Karnali International Film Festival (KIFF), his experience and understanding of filmmaking will contribute to a thoughtful and credible evaluation of films.

Board Of Jury

Bikash Subedi

Writer & Director

Bikash Subedi is a prominent Nepali writer, screenwriter, and dialogue writer. Beginning his career in journalism, he has been active in Nepali cinema for more than two decades, with a distinctive focus on social realism, human emotions, and contemporary Nepali society.

He has written stories, screenplays, and dialogues for acclaimed films including Prakash (2022), Pujar Sarki (2024), Mahabhoj (2025), and Kumari (2026). His work in Prakash, which explored rural Nepal, education, employment, and social struggle, earned him several recognitions.

Subedi is now making his feature-film directorial debut with Shirjara: Song of Grandmother, an international co-production between Nepal, the United States, and Poland, in which he is also involved as the writer, screenwriter, and dialogue writer.

Board Of Director

Board of Director

Director

Gokarna Kathayat

Board Of Director

Director

Tika Pant

Board  Of Director

Director

Rajju Pradhan

Board Of Director

Director

Puspa BC

Board of Director

Director

Hikmat Shahi

Board Of Director

Director

Nimmu Chand

Board Of Director

Manager

Yushin Chand

Manager