Culture Minister Highlights Nepali Cinema's Global Role

Kathmandu. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadakraj Paudel has said that the Nepali film sector has played a big role in increasing the country's identity at the international level. Addressing a special program organized in Kathmandu, he claimed that the strength of Nepali art and creation is being established at the world level. At the program, Minister Paudel specially connected the context of Avinash Bikram Shah's short film 'Lori' receiving an award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Mentioning that Nepali art and artists have enhanced the country's dignity at the world level, he argued that the names of Sagarmatha and Gautam Buddha alone are no longer enough to introduce Nepal to the world. He emphasized that in the coming days, Nepal should be recognized worldwide through Nepali art, culture, and original creations. Recalling that he found the success of 'Lori' to be discussed more in neighboring India than in Nepal, he clarified that such international achievements play an important role in enhancing the country's prestige. Minister Paudel said that the international community is currently observing Nepali films and the creators here very closely, and pointed out the need for all stakeholders to move forward together for the sustainable development of this sector. While addressing, he mentioned an anecdote from the old days and said, 'Nepali cinema is making a very big leap. Avinash ji is a representative character of the latest series. We used to make a joke in the old days - there are three types of films, Good film, Bad film, and Hindi film. I don't know if Nepali films were included in that or not. Then it was said, watch a Good film if possible, if not, watch a Bad film, and if not even that, watch a Hindi film. But the situation has changed a lot today. In a place where many have dreams, when 'Lori' received a prestigious award at Cannes, I saw that it was discussed more in India than in Nepal. That discussion is a means of introducing the country. If the country is recognized, we will also be recognized. How long will Sagarmatha alone introduce the country? There are artists taller than Sagarmatha here. How long will we survive only by the name of Lord Gautam Buddha? Now it is our turn too. I have deep respect for your contribution. It is not easy to express in words. This matter always resonates in my mind. If we all work together, many things are possible. Many people are watching Nepal now. Many people are watching you too.' Minister Paudel, always highly respecting the incomparable contribution of artists, emphasized the need for mutual cooperation between all government and private sectors in this happy and historic journey of Nepali cinema.