Kathmandu Metropolitan City formally inaugurated the ‘Tole Tole Ma Film Mahotsav’ at Khulla Manch on June 19 with the screening of short films ‘Nanda’, directed by Aman Shahi; ‘Sawari Sahitya’, directed by Taranga; and ‘Penguin Revolution’, directed by Ishan Bhusal. The festival will take place every Friday and Saturday until July 10 across various open spaces within the city.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City also honoured Nepali feature film ‘Elephants in the Fog,’ directed by Avinash Bikram Shah, with a cash prize of Rs1 million. The film had won the 'Jury Prize' and 'Best Sound Creation' awards in the Un Certain Regard category at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

The short films to be screened in the festival have been received by the organisers in collaboration with the Film Development Board, British Council Nepal, UNESCO, Kathmandu Mountain International Film Festival, and Nepal Film Academy.

“There has been commendable growth in the Nepali film industry, yet many people are unaware of it and remain far from the cinema halls,” says Kumari Rai, Culture and Tourism Department Head at Kathmandu Metropolitan City. “Organising such an event in open spaces, supported by the Metropolitan City, can give considerable exposure to the filmmakers, their stories, as well as the audience.”

According to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City's press release, the programme’s technical aspects are managed by the Metropolitan City itself, while local organisations have been selected through an open call to manage the film festival.

Through organisations including the Nepal Language Foundation, Nepali Cultural Foundation, Nepal Bhasa Synekne Foundation, Nhug Pahala Cultural Festival, Maitidevi United Club, and Luz Cultural Festival, the month-long festival will take place across the Balaju Bypass area, the Bagbazar road section, Bhaskarakirti Mahavihar, Lagantol, Maitidevi Temple open square, and Sundhara.

These locations have been selected in accordance with the plan to organise film festival programs in public places, parks, and squares.

Yesterday’s programme was organised by Echoes in the Valley, and today, the festival will be held at Ason Chowk, organised by the Neel Cultural Club, from 4 pm onwards.

The festival evolves with the main objective of connecting the creative industry and community to further contribute to the development and expansion of the Nepali film industry. It will feature short film screenings, dialogues on film, art, and the creative industries, and cultural and creative programs and activities. Alongside the screenings, traditional food dishes will also be served.