‘Tole Tole Ma Film Mahotsav’ begins honouring Cannes-winning ‘Elephant in the Fog’ with Rs 1 million

Kathmandu, June 23

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched the ‘Tole Tole Ma Film Mahotsav’ initiative from the Khula Manch with the aim of promoting Nepal’s film industry and connecting creative industries with local communities.

The month-long festival, which began on June 19, will feature screenings of short films every Friday and Saturday throughout Asar. The opening event at Khula Manch showcased Aman Shahi’s short film ‘Nanda’, Tarang’s ‘Sawaari Sahitya’, and Ishan Bhusal’s ‘Penguin Revolution’.

The short films for the festival have been collected through collaborations with the Kathmandu Mountain International Film Festival (KIMFF), Film Development Board, British Council Nepal, UNESCO, and Nepal Film Academy.

KMC has managed the technical aspects of the festival, while local organisations selected through an open call will handle event management at different locations. Echoes in the Valley managed the opening programme, while Neelah Cultural Club organised the event in Asan on Saturday.

The festival will be held at public spaces, parks, dabalis (traditional open stages), and neighbourhood squares across the city. Various community groups will manage programmes at locations including Balaju Bypass, Bagbazar road section, Yatkha Bahal Bhaskarkirti Mahavihar, Lagan Tole, and the open ground near Maitidevi Temple.

The initiative aims to contribute to the growth and expansion of Nepal’s film sector by linking creative industries with communities. Along with film screenings, the festival will feature discussions on cinema, arts and creative industries, cultural performances, creative activities, and traditional food stalls.

Meanwhile, KMC has announced a cash award of Rs 1 million to honour the Nepali feature film ‘Elephant in the Fog (Tiniharu)’, which achieved international recognition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival held in France.

Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah the film won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section and the Best Sound Creation award at Cannes, held in May. The film also received an eight-minute standing ovation during its Cannes premiere.

KMC said the recognition was provided to encourage the contributions of the film’s writers, producers, directors, actors, technicians, and other creators working both on and off screen, while promoting Nepal’s creative achievements internationally.

Kathmandu and Cannes are both members of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network under the film category.

Through the festival and related programmes, KMC said it aims to expand creative industries, generate local economic opportunities, and support community-based development through cinema.