Kathmandu — The fifth edition of the Nepal Rural Film Festival has wrapped up with enthusiasm and cultural richness, marking a historic milestone as the first time the festival was held in Madhesh Province. Organized by Celebrity Nepal in partnership with the Film Development Board and Chandranagar Rural Municipality, the three-day festival drew remarkable audience participation at Nadhital, Chandranagar Rural Municipality, Sarlahi.
A total of 17 films were screened across the festival's duration, accompanied by cultural showcases featuring traditional attire and performances from various ethnic communities, along with dialogue programs centered on the stories, culture, and tourism promotion of the Madhesh region.
Film Development Board Chairman Dinesh DC attended as chief guest, with the event chaired by Celebrity Nepal President Raghunath Sapkota. Chandranagar Rural Municipality President Rajkumar Mahato emphasized the importance of organizing such cultural and film events regularly, noting that hosting the festival in Sarlahi was a significant step toward promoting local identity and attracting attention to the region. Filmmaker Chhabilal Ojha, Haribaan Municipality Mayor Kamal Budathoki, and the Mayor of Haripur Municipality also attended as distinguished guests.
Award Winners
The festival concluded with a prize ceremony honoring outstanding work across multiple categories:
"Mohar" was named Best Film, with its director Om Pratik Gurung receiving the Best Director award. Nazir Hussain won Best Actor for Gunyocholo, while Surakshya Pant claimed Best Actress for Koshedhunga. The Best Screenplay award went to Samundra Bhatt and Nazir Hussain for Gunyocholo. Director Milan Tamang received the Jury Award for Maitighar, and Koshedhunga's Manjil Kumar was honored with the Encouragement Award.
In the technical categories, Nahakul Khadka won Best Editor and Babu Shrestha claimed Best Cinematographer, both for Koshedhunga. In the Indigenous Film category, "Nakchong" (directed by Kiran Rai) was named the best, while "Nilo Aakash" (directed by Nirmal Poudel) won Best Short Film.