Press Release
From the Desk of the President – First Dhaulagiri Film Festival 2021(AD)/ 2078(BS)
Bishal Lohani
President | First Dhaulagiri Film Festival 2078
Founder | Ahuri Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
Date: December 2021/ Poush 2078 | Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
In recent years, the entire world, including Nepal, has faced immense challenges due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Our industries, economies, and lives were deeply affected — and the Nepali film industry was no exception.
However, with the situation now stabilizing and Nepal entering a phase of recovery, we, as artists and cultural custodians, have a responsibility to revive creativity, expression, and national identity through cinema.
It is with great pride and purpose that I, on behalf of Ahuri Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., announce the First Dhaulagiri Film Festival 2078, taking place in the scenic town of Kusma, Parbat from Poush 7 to 10, 2078 (approx. December 22–25, 2021).
🎬 Festival Theme & Vision
Under the guiding theme:
“Promoting Tourism, Preserving Culture & Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future,”
this four-day festival aims to be more than a series of film screenings — it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and hope.
🎯 Core Objectives of the Festival
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To uplift and promote local and national artists.
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To provide a platform for undiscovered talents from remote districts.
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To highlight hidden, cinematic landscapes not yet captured on camera.
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To preserve local languages, traditions, and cultural values.
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To offer training and opportunities in acting, writing, direction, cinematography, and editing.
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To boost tourism and the local economy through creative collaboration.
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To recognize and honor veteran filmmakers and struggling artists alike.
📍 About the Festival
The festival will be held at Siddheshwar Cinema Hall, Kusma, Parbat, in the heart of the Dhaulagiri region, comprising Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Mustang districts.
During the four-day event:
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Over 30 short films, documentaries, animated and feature films will be screened.
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More than 350 local artists and multiple national producers/directors are expected to participate.
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An opening ceremony on Poush 7 and a grand closing on Poush 10 will include prominent film personalities from across Nepal.
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Special honor and recognition programs will acknowledge the dedication of filmmakers and artists who have worked in challenging environments.
💰 Budget & Support
To successfully execute this event, a budget of approximately NPR 600,000 to 700,000 has been proposed.
We are reaching out to government and non-government agencies, corporate houses, and local sponsors for partnership and financial support.
🎟️ A ticket price of NPR 200 will allow two-time entry per attendee, ensuring both accessibility and support for local cinema.
🙏 Final Note from the President
As the President of the First Dhaulagiri Film Festival, and on behalf of the entire organizing committee,
I warmly invite all film enthusiasts, cultural stakeholders, media representatives, and general audiences to join hands with us in making this historic event a grand success.
Cinema is not just entertainment — it is a tool of transformation, identity, and unity.
Let us come together to uplift our region, recognize our people, and preserve our stories through this remarkable celebration of Nepali cinema.
Thank you.
Bishal Lohane (A Bishal Lohani)
President | First Dhaulagiri Film Festival 2078
Founder | Ahuri Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
📺 For more info: www.youtube.com/PratiphalFilms
