Nepal to Host First-Ever Horror, Fantasy, and Folklore Film Festival

Kathmandu: For the first time, Nepal is organizing a film festival focused entirely on horror, fantasy, and folklore genres. The Kathmandu Horror Film Fest will be held from October 31 to November 2, aligning with the Halloween season.

The event is being organized by the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy in collaboration with the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF).

Festival Director Rasik Pathak said that after years of working with NIFF, he saw the need for a platform dedicated to these genres, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young Nepali audiences.

The festival will screen a selection of internationally acclaimed and award-winning films, including works shown at major events like the Berlin and Cannes film festivals.

“This isn’t just about horror,” said Pathak. “The festival also includes fantasy and folklore films to introduce global cinema in these genres to Nepali viewers, while encouraging interest in local stories too.”

Although timed with Halloween, the festival will highlight Nepali culture through local costumes, food, music, and folk traditions.

An international film competition will also be part of the event, with awards in categories like Best Feature, Best Short Film, Best South Asian Film, and Best Youth Film. Film submissions are open worldwide until October 12.