The Nepal Culture and Film Center (NCFC) proudly announces the 8th edition of the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF)—a prestigious global platform dedicated to celebrating cinematic excellence, cultural diversity, and meaningful storytelling.
The festival will feature a distinguished program including a grand inaugural ceremony, an elegant closing award ceremony, panel discussions, masterclasses, and curated screenings of top-selected national and international films. The official selection will encompass a wide range of categories, including full-length features, short films, documentaries, human rights films, women-centric films, children’s films, and environmental cinema.

NCIFF actively invites students, emerging filmmakers, and independent creators to participate and engage with renowned industry experts, jurors, and guest speakers. The festival serves as an educational and networking hub, offering valuable insights into filmmaking, media practices, and the global film industry. Festival sponsorships contribute significantly to the successful execution of the event, supporting film screenings and facilitating the participation of filmmakers and artists from around the world.

A key highlight of the festival includes thematic panel discussions focusing on critical global issues such as human rights, featuring distinguished activists, filmmakers, representatives from national and international organizations, NGOs, and INGOs. In addition, exclusive masterclasses conducted by international guests will provide in-depth learning opportunities for both national and international participants.

Selected films will be showcased with interactive Q&A sessions, offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers, directors, and producers, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding of the creative process.

NCIFF is committed to nurturing emerging talent and promoting impactful cinema that reflects strong cultural values and social relevance. The festival aims to inspire the next generation of filmmakers while presenting high-quality, thought-provoking films that are entertaining, responsible, and enriching. By bringing together award-winning filmmakers and diverse voices from across the globe, NCIFF continues to set a benchmark for excellence in international film festivals.


🏆 INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Major Awards
Best International Feature Film
Best International Short Film
Best International Documentary Film
Best International Web Series
Best International Student Film
Best International LGBTQ Films

Thematic Awards
Best International Human Rights Film
Best International Women’s Film
Best International Children’s Film
Best International Environmental Film

Artistic & Technical Awards
Best International Director
Best International Screenplay
Best International Cinematography
Best International Actor
Best International Actress

Special Recognition
Best International Jury Award
Best International Special Mention

🇳🇵 NATIONAL AWARDS (Nepal Only)
Major Awards
Best National Feature Film
Best National Short Film
Best National Documentary Film
Best National Student Film
Best National Web Series

Thematic Awards
Best National Women’s Film
Best National Children’s Film
Best National Environmental Film
Best National Cultural Film

Artistic & Technical Awards
Best National Director
Best National Screenplay
Best National Cinematography
Best National Actor
Best National Actress

Special Recognition
Best National Jury Award
Best National Special Mention

Eligibility Criteria
Films produced between 2023 and 2026 are eligible for submission to this section. All entries must reflect at least one aspect of society and culture and may fall under any of the festival’s designated categories.

All submitted films must comply with the eligibility criteria and standards set forth by the Organizing Committee of the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF).

Rules and Regulations for Film Submission
1. Submission Requirements
All films must be submitted along with:
A brief synopsis or introduction of the film
A duly signed cover letter from the filmmaker or producer

2. Language and Subtitles
Films in languages other than Nepali must include accurate English subtitles.

3. Submission Format
All submissions must be made digitally via secure online platforms such as FilmFreeway, Vimeo (password-protected), Google Drive, or similar services.
Films must be submitted in HD format (MP4 or MOV preferred) with a minimum resolution of 1080p.
Upon selection, filmmakers may be required to provide a high-quality screening format, such as DCP, Blu-ray, or ProRes file, suitable for theatrical exhibition.

4. Archiving and Screening Rights
By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants the Nepal Culture and Film Centre (NCFC) non-commercial rights to screen the film during the festival and for future educational, cultural, or promotional screenings associated with NCIFF.

5. Expenses and Shipping
The Nepal Culture and Film Centre will not bear any costs related to:
Film submission
Shipping of physical materials (if requested)
Any other expenses incurred by the filmmaker

6. Entry Fees
All entry fees are non-refundable.
Submission is free for Nepali filmmakers, considering limitations in international online payment systems.

Film Selection Process
Films will be reviewed and selected by an official Selection Committee appointed by the Nepal Culture and Film Centre.

All decisions made by the Selection Committee shall be final and binding.
Selection will be based on cinematic excellence, originality, creativity, and social relevance.
Selected films must provide publicity materials, including posters, stills, trailers, and promotional content, for festival use.

The Film Centre reserves the right not to disclose reasons for non-selection.
Submissions received after the official deadline will not be considered for the current edition (2027) but may be reviewed for the subsequent edition (2028).

Jury and Awards
An esteemed Jury Committee, comprising both national and international film professionals and experts, will be appointed to evaluate the selected films.
The jury will determine the recipients of awards across various categories. All officially selected films will receive recognition and certification from the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • What Do You Want

    Thank you to the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival for selecting 79 Tombstones among the top four films in the Human Rights category. We truly appreciate the recognition and are honored to be part of such a strong international selection. We’re sorry we couldn’t attend in Kathmandu and hope to collaborate again in the future.

    April 2026
  • Thank you so much for screening Cell Buddies at your festival! We are honored to be part of your program. It’s been an incredible year for this student film, traveling to over 40 countries. We’ve seen that audiences worldwide really connect with the story, and we hope your audience enjoyed the screening as much as we enjoyed being part of your event. Thanks for supporting independent stop motion animation.

    April 2026
  • The festival is a vibrant and culturally rich event that truly honours global storytelling. We're grateful for the warm recognition of Third Floor Pigu and proud to be part of such a meaningful celebration of cinema. Highly recommended!

    February 2026
  • They are wonderful to work with!

    February 2026
  • Mukund Moorthy

    Great hospitality and hosting of event and great opportunity to network with fellow film makers and discuss and watch some amazing films. Thank you Santosh, Shrishthi and team. Cheers Mukund

    February 2026