Kathmandu, The Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), running from March 20 to 24, marked a historic moment with its first-ever Russian Film Day, organized by Roskino in collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Culture. The event, held on Saturday at Kathmandu’s Chhaya Center, showcased three acclaimed Russian films, highlighting cultural diplomacy and cinematic exchange.
The featured films included Nuremberg (2023), a historical drama directed by Nikolai Lebedev; Four Quarters (2024), directed by Evgeniya Tirdatova; and We Three (2021), directed by Aleksandra Shakhina. These screenings aimed to introduce Nepali audiences to Russia’s cinematic storytelling and cultural narratives.
NIFF President KP Pathak expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “This is a proud moment for NIFF as we host Russian Film Day for the first time. Our goal is to strengthen international collaborations and bring global cinema, including Russian films, closer to Nepali audiences.” He emphasized NIFF’s broader vision to promote cross-cultural dialogue through cinema.
Anton Maslov, Director of the Russian Culture Center in Kathmandu, praised the initiative, calling it a “significant step” in deepening Nepal-Russia cultural ties. “We are thrilled to share Russia’s films, culture, and way of life with Nepali viewers. Supported by the Russian Embassy and Roskino, this effort will expand further to showcase more Russian stories,” he remarked.
The Russian Film Day underscores NIFF’s commitment to diversifying its programming and fostering global artistic exchange. Organizers highlighted that such events align with the festival’s mission to celebrate cinema as a bridge between nations.
Nuremberg, Four Quarters, and We Three—spanning genres from historical epics to contemporary dramas—received positive responses from attendees, reflecting growing interest in international cinema among Nepali audiences.
The festival continues through March 24, featuring films from over 30 countries, with special emphasis on promoting regional and global cinematic talent.