Kathmandu: The 14th European Union Film Festival concluded on a high note with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony that brought together filmmakers, mentors, workshop participants, festival partners, and representatives from various diplomatic institutions. The two-day festival received full-house attendance at all screenings, with more than 1,800 viewers enjoying the films and over 5,000 people visiting the festival. With packed screenings and vibrant participation, the festival celebrated an inspiring showcase of new and emerging talent.
Nhooja Tuladhar from the British Council, one of the programme’s collaborators, opened the recognition segment. Together with the EU Delegation and UNESCO, the British Council co-hosted the Navigating Festivals, Funding and Co-Production Markets workshop, a Roundtable Discussion on “What Next for the Film Industry?” and a talk with filmmakers Abhimanyu Dixit, Ngima Gelu Sherpa, and Shanta Nepali, who recently visited the UK on a study tour.
This year, EUFF Nepal 2025 received more than 50 student film submissions, out of which nine outstanding films were selected for screening by a jury comprising filmmakers Aishwarya Baidar, Sikuma Rai, and Rajeela Shrestha. Petra Enbushka, Development Cooperation Coordinator at the Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu, presented certificates to the filmmakers. Three student films were recognised for their excellence, creativity, and powerful storytelling.
What Grows in Thari Maila’s Vegetable Garden?, directed by Patrika Ghimire, won the Best Student Film Prize. Grandma’s Magic Comb, by Nirakar Bhakta Rai, received a Special Jury Mention. Abyss, by Akriti Dhungana, also received a Special Jury Mention.
Petra Enbushka concluded the ceremony by sharing closing remarks and announcing the Closing Film, Je’vida, marking the official end of this year’s festival in Kathmandu. EUFF Nepal 2025 is organised by the EU Delegation to Nepal, in collaboration with embassies and cultural institutions representing EU Member States in Kathmandu and Delhi, including the Embassies of France, Germany, and Finland, the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi, and the Polish Institute in Delhi, as well as the British Council and UNESCO in Kathmandu. The festival will continue in Pokhara on 22 and 23 November at QFX Trade Mall, Chipledhunga. All nine Nepali short films, six BAFTA-nominated shorts, and five European feature-length films will be screened at its Pokhara programme.
Comment