What we know
- The Nepali Times reported that the first edition of the Licchavi Cinema Festival takes place from 11-15 September in Kathmandu.
- The event is hosted at the Boudha-based cultural centre Lichhavi House, according to the Nepali Times.
- The Nepali Times noted the festival receives support from Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the European Union.
What this means if you are travelling
- Travellers currently visiting Kathmandu can attend screenings at Lichhavi House during the five-day schedule from 11-15 September.
- Visitors interested in regional and international films have access to a curated lineup of features and discussions.
- Those trekking outside the Kathmandu Valley or staying in other regions of Nepal will see no disruption to their itineraries.
The inaugural Licchavi Cinema Festival begins its run in Kathmandu today, bringing together a diverse selection of local and global motion pictures. The Nepali Times reported that the five-day cultural gathering is scheduled from 11-15 September.
The event takes place at Lichhavi House, a cultural centre located in the Boudha area of the capital. According to the Nepali Times, the gathering has received backing from Kathmandu Metropolitan City alongside the European Union.
Featured Films and Programming
Organisers have assembled a curated lineup featuring titles from Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Thailand, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia. The selection is designed to examine everyday life, history, conflict, migration, rituals, and generational changes.
The schedule includes Abinash Bikram Shah’s directorial debut Elephants in the Fog, which earned the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival. World cinema additions cited by the Nepali Times include Mathieu Kassovitz's La Haine, Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Memoria.
- Screenings feature works from regional and international directors
- Events run from 11-15 September at Lichhavi House in Boudha
- The festival highlights contemporary Asian cinema alongside historical works
What This Means for Travel Plans
For travellers spending time in Kathmandu during mid-September, the festival offers an opportunity to experience local cultural programming. Screenings and discussions provide insight into contemporary regional storytelling and global cinema.
Visitors on mountain treks, adventure activities in Pokhara, or journeys to remote regions remain completely unaffected by these events in the capital. Standard trekking routes, transport networks, and outdoor itineraries operate as normal without any adjustments required.
Background on the Cultural Initiative
The gathering stems from Lichhavi House and founder filmmaker Khyentse Norbu’s connection to Nepal, focusing on cultural dialogue. Festival curator Abishek Budhathoki noted in reporting by the Nepali Times that access to serious cinema on proper screens has remained limited within the country despite local films screening globally.
The festival symbol draws inspiration from the mythical protector and messenger Garuda, representing cinema that transcends place, language, and perspective. The schedule places contemporary Asian works alongside foundational pieces by directors such as Andrei Tarkovsky, Payal Kapadia, Deepak Rauniyar, and Tashi Gyeltshen.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
When and where is the Licchavi Cinema Festival taking place?
The festival runs from 11-15 September at the Boudha-based cultural centre Lichhavi House in Kathmandu.
Who is supporting the inaugural film event?
The gathering is supported by Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the European Union.
Are travellers outside of Kathmandu affected by the festival?
No. The event is strictly located in Boudha, Kathmandu, and has no impact on trekking routes, regional travel, or outdoor itineraries elsewhere in the country.
What kind of films are featured in the screening schedule?
The programme features a curated list of films from Nepal and international countries exploring everyday life, history, conflict, migration, and rituals, including award-winning international titles.