Kathmandu Metropolitan City will open the Kathmandu Film Festival at Basantapur on Friday, Kartik 13, with Indian actress Shabana Azmi attending as its main attraction. The festival will run through Sunday, Kartik 15, with activities planned across five venues in the capital, including the National Assembly Hall, Jay Nepal Hall, the Nepal Tourism Board and Taragaon Next Museum in Boudha. Marco Muller of the Shanghai Film Academy is also expected to attend.
Three days of events across Kathmandu
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Basantapur, while the festival’s other venues will include the National Assembly Hall, Jay Nepal Hall, the Nepal Tourism Board and Taragaon Next Museum. The locations place the event across several parts of the city, from the historic centre to Boudha. Organisers have identified the venues as sites for the festival, though the information released so far does not specify which activities will take place at each location.
The programme is set to run for three days, from Kartik 13 to 15, corresponding to Friday through Sunday. The festival is being organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Its stated purpose goes beyond hosting an event: organisers say it is intended to honour the older generation and pass on art to a new generation.
Shabana Azmi and Marco Muller among attendees
Azmi’s presence is expected to be a central feature of the festival. The Indian actress is described by organisers as the main attraction. Her participation gives the opening ceremony a prominent guest, while Marco Muller, associated with the Shanghai Film Academy, is also listed among the attendees.
The two guests bring different connections to the festival’s focus on art and film. Azmi is attending as an actor, while Muller is linked to the Shanghai Film Academy. The announcement names both as participants, but does not provide further details about their roles in the programme or whether they will take part in particular sessions.
Organisers’ focus on generations
Organisers have framed the festival as a way to recognise older generations and carry artistic traditions forward. Their stated aim is to honour those who came before while helping transfer art to younger people. The announcement places this intergenerational purpose alongside the festival’s screenings and events, without providing further details about specific works or programme sessions.
With the opening ceremony at Basantapur and additional venues spread across the city, the Kathmandu Film Festival will bring its three-day programme to multiple locations. The event is scheduled to conclude Sunday, Kartik 15. Its announced guests include Azmi and Muller, while its stated objective is to connect the contribution of the older generation with the continuation of art by the next generation.
