The inauguration of the Karnali International Film Festival was successfully held at Shubha Hotel in Birendranagar, Surkhet. The festival, which includes various events in Surkhet, Dailekh, Rara (Jumla), and Kathmandu, aims to promote film tourism and convey messages about climate change through cinema. Organized by Red Cherry Media in collaboration with the Film Development Board, the festival was inaugurated on Falgun 25 by Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel.

Distinguished guests at the event included former Chief Minister of Karnali, Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, former State Minister Kunti Sahi, former Minister Ramkumari Jhakri, Minister of Social Development Ghanshyam Bhandari, Minister of Tourism Suresh Adhikari, Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality Mohan Maya Dhakal, Chairperson of Gurans Rural Municipality, Top BC, Executive Chairperson of the Film Development Board, Dinesh DC, actor Pradeep Khadka and writer-director of the film Pujar Sarki, Bikas Suvedi.

Additionally, former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Bhawani Rana, Director of Muktinath Development Bank Narayan Kumar Shrestha, Executive of Muktinath Agriculture Company Bharatraj Dhakal, local artists, filmmakers, and intellectuals were also present at the festival.

Festival Director Chakra Bahadur Chand stated that the event was organized to bring Karnali’s potential to national and international recognition. He emphasized that Karnali’s tourist destinations, religious sites, filming locations, rich storytelling, art, traditions, costumes, heritage, and language should be promoted among filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival, chaired by advisor Dr. Mahendra Malla, concluded with great enthusiasm.

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.