By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Aug. 2: The Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) Sunday distributed trophies and cash prizes to the winners amidst a programme held in Kathmandu.
Because of COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th edition of the festival was organised virtually from May 6 to 10 but the prizes were not distributed.
The award distribution programme was held by organising a small function. The awards were presented to the winners by Dayaram Dahal, chairman of Nepal Film Development Board.
The organisers informed that one of the five international awards was presented on Sunday while other four awards were sent by courier.
However, seven national awards were distributed in the programme today.
“Ama Khando” directed by Dhondup Tsering was awarded the best film and Tsering received the award for the best director. The film won a cash prize of Rs. 100,000.
Likewise, Nabin Shipakar and Sarita Giri won the awards for best actors in leading role for male and female respectively for the film “Lato Kosero”. Along with best actors, Sirish Gurung, cinematographer, also bagged the best award for Lato Kosero.
Similarly, the best screenplay award was handed to “Sarita: Tell Me Who I Am”, a film by Sergio.
NIFF had also decided to award a film made on the subject of pandemic from this year onwards. Ganesh Pandey directed “Civil Soldiers” excelled in this category and won the prize of 500 US Dollar.
“A Scarecrow” directed by Rajesh Prasad Khatri received the award of Rs. 50,000 for the best national short film.
Speaking at the festival, Film Development Board’s chairman Dahal urged Nepali filmmakers to value the film festival organised by the home country and requested for enthusiastic participation in such festivals.
Similarly, KP Pathak, chairman of Nepal Film and Cultural Academy, said that applications have been opened for the 5th edition of NIFF and that more than 75 films are participating through Film Freeway.
Pathak informed that the application opened from July 1 and will continue till December 25. He also informed that preparation to send awards and certificates to the foreign filmmakers through courier was underway.