Film Journalists Association Establishes Fund in Memory of Late Dinesh Sitoula

Kathmandu. The Film Journalists Association has announced the establishment of an endowment fund exceeding NPR 1 million. The fund was announced on Friday during a tribute ceremony organized on the 13th day following the demise of the late Dinesh Sitoula, former President of the Film Journalists Association Nepal.

During the program, attended by Film Development Board Chairman Dinesh DC, Artists Association Chairman Mohan Niraula, and numerous artists and journalists, Chairman Balami stated that an endowment fund of at least NPR 1 million would be established, a special program would be organized every year on Magh 18 in memory of the late Dinesh Sitoula, and the 'Late Dinesh Sitoula Film Journalism Memorial Award' would be presented during the association's annual celebration.

Board Chairman DC recalled the contribution of the late Sitoula to the Nepali film industry and film journalism, appealing to everyone to support the endowment fund. He mentioned that the late Sitoula had fostered an environment of cooperation and facilitation between old and new generations of journalists and filmmakers, and announced a contribution of NPR 51,000 from the Board towards the endowment fund.

Similarly, Nepal Film Artists Association Chairman Mohan Niraula discussed Sitoula's contributions. He described Sitoula as a friendly, helpful, and positive-minded individual, personally contributing NPR 10,000.

At the program, former association Chairman Bidur Giri, Advisor Dabbu Chhetri, and senior film journalists Dhruv Lamsal, Jaya Subba Manandhar, Krishna Bhattarai, Deepjyoti Thapa, Royal Acharya, among others, paid tribute and discussed the contributions of the late Sitoula.

Contributions to the established endowment fund have been announced by various organizations and individuals. OSR Digital announced NPR 31,000, film writer Pradeep Bhardwaj NPR 25,000, producers Saroj Wali and Mohitbansha Acharya NPR 25,000 each, Shatkon Arts NPR 25,000, senior film journalist Laxman Subedi on behalf of Dilasa Creation NPR 11,000, and the team of the film 'Ram Naam Satya' announced NPR 10,000. The association stated that over NPR 300,000 had already been collected from film journalists and other supporting producers and individuals prior to these announcements.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the film 'Jhari Pachhiko Indreni' completing its 51st day of screening, the team committed NPR 1 million to the endowment fund, and it was informed that further support is being collected. The association announced that the list of all contributors to the fund will be formally published sequentially.