Kupinde Film Tourism Dialogue

The main attraction of the festival was a panel discussion titled ‘Kupinde Film Tourism Dialogue.’ Moderated by film writer and director Bikas Subedi, the discussion involved intensive deliberations between policymakers and filmmakers.

Panelists:

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
Santosh Sen: Film Producer and Director
Dhruba Kumar Shrestha: Senior Advocate

Key Conclusions and Issues Raised During the Discussion:

Film Tourism Hub: Highlighting that Kupinde Lake and its surrounding areas are naturally breathtaking, participants emphasized the need to develop the region as a ‘Film Tourism Hub.’ They expressed confidence that showcasing its beauty on the silver screen would significantly boost the influx of both domestic and international tourists.
Local Income Generation and Employment: It was noted that developing Kupinde as a filming destination would increase the income of local residents, promote homestays, and create new employment opportunities ranging from transportation to the sale of local products.
Attraction for Filmmaking: Producer and director Santosh Sen stated that if basic infrastructure and security guarantees are provided in locations like Kupinde Lake, it would attract not only Nepalese filmmakers but international ones as well.
Government Commitment and Strategic Planning: Minister for Industry and Tourism Suresh Adhikari and Minister for Social Development Ghanshyam Bhandari pledged that the provincial government would incorporate cinema tourism into its tourism master plan for the development of Kupinde. They assured that infrastructure development for such tourist areas would be prioritized in the upcoming budget and policies.
Initiatives by the Film Development Board: Executive Chairman Dinesh DC expressed his commitment to helping brand tourist spots in Karnali, including Kupinde, as “film locations” at both national and international levels. He pledged to facilitate the necessary processes for shooting, adding that these areas should be progressively developed into film sets.
Local Government’s Proactiveness: Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to host such an event for the first time, Karna Bahadur Budhathoki, Mayor of Bangad Kupinde Municipality, thanked the Film Development Board, filmmakers, artists, producers, and directors for promoting the region. He shared his resolve to work collaboratively toward developing Kupinde Lake through film tourism and appealed to everyone to visit and shoot their movies there.