KU Officially concludes Chalachitra Conference 2025

Kathmandu: The Department of Language and Mass Communication (DOLMC) at Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSOA) officially inaugurated the second edition of the Chalachitra Conference 2025 on Monday, July 6, 2025. The two-day event was organized by DOLMC in partnership with the Film Critics Society, the Film Directors Guild, and the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF), with support from the Nepal Tourism Board, which also acted as the official venue partner.

The conference aimed to create a platform for dialogue and connection among film veterans, filmmakers, enthusiasts, and students. The event was chaired by Dr. Nirmala Mani Adhikary, Head of DOLMC at Kathmandu University. Veteran actress Basundhara Bhusal attended as the Chief Guest, while veteran actor Harihar Sharma delivered the keynote address. Other notable attendees included Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board; Ramyata Limbu, Chair of the KIMFF Foundation; Janak Deep Parajuli, Chair of the Film Directors’ Guild of Nepal; and Samipya Timalsina, President of the Film Critics Society of Nepal.

The opening ceremony began with a welcome speech from Ms. Ekku Maya Pun, Dean of KUSOA, who thanked the guests and highlighted the significance of such conferences in promoting knowledge exchange between industry professionals, academics, and students. The official lamp-lighting ceremony was led by Chief Guest Bhusal and Keynote Speaker Sharma.

In his keynote speech, Sharma, an experienced actor who had featured in over 60 Nepali and Newari films, commended KUSOA for hosting the event and underscored the vital role of audiences as true champions of cinema. Ramyata Limbu praised the collaboration between KUSOA and KIMFF and encouraged students to participate actively throughout the conference.

Surya Thapaliya, Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, congratulated KUSOA and remarked that cinema reflected society and helped preserve stories across generations. Janak Deep Parajuli urged stronger cooperation between KUSOA and emerging filmmakers. Samipya Timalsina noted the valuable learning opportunities the conference offered to film enthusiasts, while Basundhara Bhusal shared insights from her career and warmly welcomed new talent.

Dr. Adhikary concluded the inaugural session by emphasizing the need to update academic programs to keep pace with changes in cinema and expressed gratitude to the DOLMC faculty and students for their dedication in organizing the event.

During the conference, the award-winning short film Sawar Sahitya, created by BMS alumna Urja Acharya, was screened, with a second screening scheduled for the next day.

The first panel discussion, titled The Visual Language of Nepali Cinema: Strengths and Limitations, was moderated by filmmaker Dipa Basnet and featured panelists Suyou Gurung, Renesha Bantawa Rai, Janak Deep Parajuli, and Gyanendra Deuja. Topics included artistic challenges, obstacles faced by women directors, and censorship issues that impacted storytelling and visual expression.

The second panel, Festival Films vs. Domestic Market, was moderated by Prasun Sangroula and included panelists Keki Adhikari, Subarna Thapa, Dipendra Lama, and Binod Poudel. The conversation centered on the role of international film festivals in gaining recognition and distribution, the difference in audience reception between festival films and commercial releases, and the growing importance of marketing and social media in attracting Nepali viewers to theaters.

Panelists noted that festival films often employed more experimental or artistic storytelling methods that might not appeal broadly to Nepali audiences, limiting their commercial success. Dipendra Lama also highlighted the importance of film criticism in providing fresh perspectives for audiences.

Overall, the Chalachitra Conference 2025 offered a dynamic two-day forum for insightful discussions, critical reflection, and a celebration of the changing landscape of Nepali cinema.