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‘Cinema is a soft power, not just a source of entertainment’

Kathmandu: Taking local stories and real-life incidents from our daily lives and using them for storytelling that resonates with a wider audience will give us a platform to grow, said actor Manisha Koirala.

Speaking at a discussion organized at the 8th Nepal International Film Festival at Nepal Tourism Board, the ‘Heeramandi’ actor stated that we need to provide a space for creators to express their creative freedom and act as a support system to build their skills.

“Cinema is a soft power. So, what kind of stories are we telling and how are we narrating them plays an important role. Cinema is a serious business; it is not just entertainment. Film festivals like NIFF give creative souls from different backgrounds and filmmakers build a network all over the world and connect with makers from around the world,” stated Koirala.

She further praised the new generation of actors and filmmakers. “Young actors are supremely talented and highly competitive. They have huge potential if provided with the right guidance and opportunity. Any drawbacks or lack can be worked upon if the artist gives it their 100%. While working in Heeramandi, learning Urdu and getting the correct diction was a huge challenge for me. But, I was so focused and gave all my focus on learning the language. Hence, one can always identify their weakness and learn to turn it into a strength.”

Koirala further added that she is willing to work in Nepali films if the filmmaker comes up with a fantastic script for her.