Nepal Film Artists Association Election Sees Two Panels Compete

Kathmandu. Nowadays, social media is flooded with posts announcing the candidacies of artists. This hustle is not because any general election is nearing in the country, but it is the preparation for the 20th General Convention of the Nepal Film Artists Association. The General Convention, scheduled for the 3rd of Jestha, will elect the new leadership of the association. From heroes, heroines, supporting actors to villains on screen, all have entered the electoral field. As in the past, looking at the list of candidates this time, it seems that associations and organizations are run by those who have leisure time. The list of candidates includes more elderly individuals and those who have been less visible on screen recently, rather than the currently very busy and popular faces in the film industry. This General Convention is taking place amidst significant ups and downs. The convention, previously scheduled for the 28th of Chaitra, was postponed due to a dispute over membership. Some artists expressed dissatisfaction, alleging fraud in the distribution of new memberships and renewals, which led to internal conflict within the association. However, according to the current president, Mohan Niroula, all these disputes have now been resolved. 'We could not submit the list to the election committee on time due to the membership dispute on the previous date,' said President Niroula. 'Now, all problems have been resolved, and the list has been submitted. The General Convention will now take place on time.' Niroula stated that the preparations for the General Convention are also complete. In this election, 536 artists will vote, including 325 life members and 211 ordinary members. Two Panels, No Political Parties In past general conventions, artists were seen contesting elections clearly by forming panels of political parties, but this time the picture appears somewhat different and interesting. This time, there are mainly two panels in the electoral field, in which artists with various political affiliations have come together in the same team. The main competition is expected to be between actor Sabeen Shrestha and artist Uttam KC for the leadership. Sabeen Shrestha is the current general secretary, while Uttam KC was a candidate for general secretary in the previous convention; this is the first time for both of them to contest for the post of president.

Presidential candidates KC and Shrestha are competing with their respective agendas for the Artists Association. Some of the agendas they have put forth are similar, while others are different yet attractive.

From President Sabeen's panel, Panah Adhikari and Uddhav Prasad Bhattarai are in the electoral field for the post of vice-president. Similarly, Rameshor Burlakoti is a candidate for general secretary, and popular comedian Palpasa Dangol 'Chamsuri' is a candidate for secretary. For the post of treasurer, Pavitra Acharya and Pawan KC are candidates for joint treasurer, and for the member posts, Binod Bhattarai, Navin Shrestha, Rashmi Bhatta, Namrata Kharel, Sarita Rajopadhya, Suleman Shankar (Iku), Chhultim Gurung, Ramkrishna Shrestha, Supa Kharel, and Rajesh Gosai are in the electoral race. On the other hand, KC's panel also appears equally strong. It is rumored that former president Rabindra Khadka is supporting this panel. In this panel, Shiva Hari Bairagi and Pujana Pradhan are the vice-presidents. Sunil Katuwal is a candidate for general secretary, and Gopal Dhakal 'Chhande' is a candidate for secretary. Tejuila Khatiwada is in the electoral competition for treasurer, and Geeta Nepal for joint treasurer. For the member posts, Kosish Chhetri, Namrata Yogi, Shri Dev Bhattarai, Manjudevi Tuladhar, Prem Pandey, Jeevan Thapa, Daman Rupakheti, Samana Sitoula, Laxman Chaulagai, Anumati Nepali, Dawa Phinjo Tamang, Ashok Dhital, Harishchandra Phuyal, Indradong Amde, Chandrakala Dahal, and Gokul Subedi have entered the electoral field. What are the Agendas of the Presidential Candidates? Presidential candidates KC and Shrestha are competing with their respective agendas for the Artists Association. Some of the agendas they have put forth are similar, while others are different yet attractive. Candidate KC's agendas include institutional reform and protection of rights. With the main slogan 'Unity, Respect, and Rights — Artists' Future, Our Responsibility,' KC's published agenda states that the association's dignity will be enhanced and the organization will be made more systematic. This includes concessions and adjustments in membership fees, health and treatment, remuneration and rights, building management, coordination, and identity. Similarly, Sabeen's agenda emphasizes respect for elders and health security. Agendas raised include the rehabilitation of senior artists, medicine and health security, ease of work for artists and a comfortable shooting environment, building a dynamic organization, and honest leadership. Both have announced that they will publicly disclose further agendas through a program.