A discussion programme that revolved around the topic “Nepali Chalchitra ma Maulikta ko Khoji” (search for originality in the Nepali film industry) was recently held in Damak, Jhapa. The event saw a number of litterateurs and scholars engage in conversation with film director Nabin Subba.

Subba—the director of films such as Numafung and Goodbye Kathmandu and a tele-serial, Dalan—is acclaimed for pioneering a new wave in Nepali cinema, known as Fourth Cinema, basing his work heavily on the indigenous community.

“Mainstream Nepali films are, even today, more or less guided by the Indian dramaturgy,” Subba started the discussion. “The main reason behind the lack of originality in Nepali cinema is the lack of understanding among the producers that every film should evoke the originality that the setting is based on.” 

Subba went on, “Nepali films could use original characters, sound scores and dialogues that draw on our own society. It is only of late, after such a long time, that we have come across originality in acting and stories.” 

Subba further said that one of major hindrances that the Nepali film industry faces is the still is struggling to consistently come up with uniquely Nepali stories.