Film Journalists Association Establishes Rs 1 Million Endowment Fund in Memory of Late Dinesh Sitoula

Kathmandu, February 2: On the 13th day memorial service of the late Dinesh Sitoula, former President of the Film Journalists Association Nepal, an announcement was made to establish a Rs 1 million endowment fund in his memory.

The association made the announcement during a tribute meeting organized for him. Samir Balami, the current President of the association, informed that the endowment fund is being established with the objective of organizing a special program every year on Magh 18 in memory of the late Dinesh Sitoula and presenting the 'Late Dinesh Sitoula Film Journalism Memorial Award' during the association's annual celebration.

Dinesh DC, Chairman of the Film Development Board, recalled the contribution of the late Sitoula to the Nepali film industry and film journalism, appealing to everyone to support the endowment fund. Mentioning that the late Sitoula had created an environment of cooperation and facilitation between old and new generations of journalists and filmmakers, he announced a contribution of Rs 51 thousand from the Board towards the endowment fund.

Similarly, Mohan Neupane, President of the Nepal Film Artists Association, expressed his tribute while speaking at the condolence meeting, discussing the contributions of the late Sitoula. He mentioned that the late Sitoula was a friendly, helpful, and positive-minded personality, and personally contributed Rs 10 thousand.

During the program, former President of the association Bidur Giri, advisor Dabbu Chhetri, and senior film journalists Dhruv Lamsal, Jayan 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 Rs 31 thousand, film writer Pradip Bhardwaj announced Rs 25 thousand, producers Saroj Wali and Mohitbansha Acharya announced Rs 25 thousand each, Shatkon Arts announced Rs 25 thousand, senior film journalist Laxman Subedi on behalf of Dilasa Creation announced Rs 11 thousand, and the team of the film 'Ram Naam Satya' announced Rs 10 thousand.

The association stated that over Rs 300,000 had already been collected through contributions from film journalists and other supporting producers and individuals prior to this. Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 51st day of its screening, the team of the film 'Jhari Pachhiko Indreni' committed to contributing Rs 10 lakh to the endowment fund, and it was informed that further collection is underway.

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