Kathmandu University Hosts Second Edition of Chalachitra Conference 2025

Photo: Oree Prasain

Kathmandu: Kathmandu University School of Arts, Department of Language and Mass Communication (DOLMC), officially inaugurated the second edition of the Chalachitra Conference 2025 on Monday, 6 July 2025. The two-day conference is organized by DOLMC in association with the Film Critics Society, Film Directors Guild, and Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF), with support from the Nepal Tourism Board, which also serves as the official venue partner.

The conference aims to foster dialogue and bridge gaps between film veterans, filmmakers, enthusiasts, and students. It was chaired by Dr. Nirmala Mani Adhikary, Head of the Department of Language and Mass Communication at Kathmandu University. Veteran actress Basundhara Bhusal served as the Chief Guest, with veteran actor Harihar Sharma as the Keynote Speaker. Other dignitaries included Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board; Ramyata Limbu, Chair of KIMFF Foundation; Janak Deep Parajuli, Chair of the Film Directors’ Guild of Nepal; and Samipya Timalsina, President of the Film Critics Society of Nepal.

The opening ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Ms. Ekku Maya Pun, Dean of KUSOA, who expressed gratitude to the guests and emphasized the importance of such conferences in facilitating knowledge exchange between industry professionals, academics, and students. The official lamp-lighting ceremony followed, led by Chief Guest Bhusal and Keynote Speaker Sharma.

In his keynote speech, Sharma, a veteran actor of over 60 films in both Nepali and Newari languages, praised KUSOA for hosting the conference and emphasized the role of audiences as the real promoters of cinema. Ramyata Limbu highlighted the valuable collaboration between KUSOA and KIMFF and encouraged students to actively engage in the discussions over the two days.

Surya Thapaliya, Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, congratulated KUSOA and noted that cinema reflects society and carries stories across generations. Janak Deep Parajuli called for open collaboration between KUSOA and aspiring filmmakers. Samipya Timalsina emphasized the insightful opportunities the conference offers for enthusiasts, while Basundhara Bhusal shared her experiences in the industry and welcomed emerging talents.

The inaugural session concluded with remarks from Dr. Adhikary, who stressed the importance of adapting academic curricula to match the evolving landscape of cinema and thanked the DOLMC faculty and students for their efforts in organizing the event.

The award-winning short film Sawar Sahitya, created by BMS alumna Urja Acharya, was screened during the event and is scheduled for a second screening on the following day.

The first panel discussion, The Visual Language of Nepali Cinema: Strengths and Limitations, was moderated by filmmaker Dipa Basnet and featured panelists Suyou Gurung, Renesha Bantawa Rai, Janak Deep Parajuli, and Gyanendra Deuja. The discussion covered challenges faced by filmmakers, including artistic constraints, the struggles of women directors, and censorship issues affecting storytelling and visual communication.

The second panel, Festival Films vs. Domestic Market, was moderated by Prasun Sangroula and included panelists Keki Adhikari, Subarna Thapa, Dipendra Lama, and Binod Poudel. The discussion focused on the value of international film festivals for recognition and distribution, the gap in audience reception between festival and theatrical films, and the growing importance of marketing and social media strategies in drawing audiences to Nepali cinemas.

Panelists acknowledged that films curated for festivals often use more artistic or unconventional storytelling styles that may not resonate with the general Nepali audience, contributing to their limited theatrical success. Dipendra Lama also emphasized the significance of film criticism in offering fresh perspectives to audiences.

The Chalachitra Conference 2025 serves as a vibrant two-day platform for meaningful conversations, critical insights, and a celebration of the evolving landscape of Nepali cinema.

Photos from the event: