The 20th edition of Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival is scheduled to start on Thursday. Themed ‘Sustainable Summits’, the festival aims to raise awareness on climate change and its disproportionate impact on countries like Nepal, according to organisers. This year’s festival will screen more than 60 films from 30 countries over five days.

The upcoming edition also marks the festival’s return to physical screening after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus when the fest went online.

The festival will kick off with a keynote address by the Indian filmmaker, actor and producer Prakash Jha. ‘Matto ki Saikil’ (or Matto’s bicycle), a 95-minute long drama which Jha produced and also features in, will have a special screening on the opening day.

Even though the festival puts the spotlight on the scourge of climate change, it features films portraying a wide range of issues, according to Nishita Thapa Magar, the festival coordinator. “The films explore livelihoods across different societies,” she said.

Of the 60 films, 18 will be competing in the International competition and 19 for the best documentary film and fiction film in the Nepal Panorama category.

The festival will take place simultaneously at two venues—Rashtriya Sabha Griha (Hall A) and Nepal Tourism Board (Hall B). The ticket for the whole five-day event is priced at Rs1500, while individual shows will cost Rs100 each. Students with their ID cards can watch each show for half the price.

One can get the ticket at either the festival venue or the physical stores of Vajra Books, Mandala Book Point, Educational Book House, Patan Book Store, Dhokaima Café, and The Yard.

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What: KIMFF

Where: Rashtriya Sabha Griha, Hall A (starts 11.30 am)

            Nepal Tourism Board, Hall B (starts 11 am)

When: December 8–12

Contact: 01-4440635