The 22nd edition of KIMFF Concludes With 10 National And International Awards

Kathmandu: As the 5 Day of the 22nd edition of Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) comes to a conclusion, all the filmmakers from around 30 countries joined the closing ceremony as they embraced the 65 different films that were screened on the theme ‘Fractured Voices, Reclaiming Narratives’.

Presenting KIMFF’s the Best ICIMOD Mountain Award, Anne Dare, Head of Communication at ICIMOD said, “I’m sure that everybody is coming away from the past few days rejuvenated, inspired and motivated by not just film making contact but also through the connections that you all would have made from the corridors.”

“We are here to help you tell your stories. ICIMOD would love to be your ally in telling t stories that need to be heard ,” she added.

As the award ceremony proceeded, 10 different categories were distributed accordingly.

The prestigious Best ICIMOD Mountain Film Award was awarded to Butterfly Bhutan by Sonam Yangzom. India’s Manohar K received the KU Emerging Filmmaker Award for Bird of a Different Feather.

The Best Mountaineering and Exploration Film went to Ashima, directed by Kenzi Tsukamoto, while a Special Mention in the same category was given to Minus 103 Degrees by Feline Gerhardt.

In the international categories, Cu Li Never Cries by Pham Ngoc Lan won the Best International Feature Fiction Award, and Yakin Tekintangac’s Mori received the Best Short Fiction Award. While Axie and the Wunder Dachsies won the special mention for Best Short Fiction Award.

Moreover, Yi-Shan Lo’s After the Snowmelt won the Best International Feature Documentary and Winter Taiga by Dominique Syner won the Best International Short Documentary.

From the Nepal Panorama segment, Songs of Love & Hate by Saurav Ghimire was honored with the Best Nepali Fiction Award, the Best Nepali Documentary Award went to Chhau, directed by Saja Sunuwar.

Furthermore, the final and the most awaited Audience Award was given to Kalani Gacon’s Family Man.

Cut.Katha, a live pitch held at Kimff also announced their winners: Shreeya Singh received the British Council Award (Rs. 1,50,000), Aakriti Shrestha won the Goethe-Zentrum Award (Rs. 1,00,000) and Sushmita Bogati earned the Shanta Nepali Production Award (in kind, worth Rs. 3,50,000).

In the festival’s closing remarks, Shekhar Kharel, board member of the KIMFF Foundation, extended the foundation’s gratitude to sponsors, juries, volunteers, and the organising team.

“With the hope of making it bigger and larger for the 23rd edition, and a celebration to the success of the 22nd edition.” He mentioned as he concluded by promising an even more impactful edition in the coming year.