Kathmandu, October 31: The Russian House in Kathmandu hosted the grand opening of the 2nd Kathmandu Horror Film Fest (KHFF) on Friday, October 30. The festival is organized by the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy (NFCA) in collaboration with Cinemakers. For the second consecutive year, the Russian House has welcomed the festival and provided its support.
For the occasion, the hall of the Russian House was transformed into a truly spooky space, with hands and legs protruding from mirrors, spiders hanging everywhere, and something creepy lurking in every corner.
The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Manish Pandit, Chairperson of the Film Development Board Nepal. The Counsellor of the Russian Embassy attended as the Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were Ms. Anastasia Khokhlova, Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representation in Nepal; K.P. Pathak, Chairperson of the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy; Yasuharu Shinto, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Nepal; Waqas Ahmed, First Secretary at the Embassy of Pakistan in Nepal; and Rashik Pathak, Festival Director.
The traditional ceremonial lamp, lit by the distinguished guests, symbolized the triumph of light over darkness. The hall was darkened before the lamp was lit, illuminating the space once again. Pianist Sarthak Manandhar performed compositions by Tchaikovsky and Kornelyuk, followed by a traditional Nepali Lakhey dance.
Ms. Khokhlova thanked the organizers, led by Rashik Pathak, the volunteer team, and the staff of the Russian House. She noted that the festival remains a unique event in Nepal. The Russian House and NFCA cooperate in areas extending well beyond KHFF. NFCA has been one of the main organizers of the Nepal International Film Festival for many years, while the Russian House is one of its official venues this year. She expressed hope for the continuation of this fruitful cooperation.
Recently, Roskino shared some exciting news. Among dozens of international participants in the film-pitching competition, “Cinema as a Tool Against Future Shock,” only two were selected as finalists: representatives from Nepal and Iran. The pitching competition is part of the 3rd International Symposium, “Creating the Future,” where young filmmakers present their film and series projects about the future to an expert jury.
The final event will take place on November 12 at the National Center “Russia.” A representative from Nepal has earned the opportunity to participate in the next stage of the symposium. We hope to send him and his team to Russia to further develop cooperation, gain valuable filmmaking experience, and share the unique expertise of our Nepali colleagues.
The Russian House remains committed to supporting young filmmakers in cooperation with NFCA, helping them develop their talents and establish international networks.
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