Film Journalists Association Nepal Honors 7 Individuals with Awards and Recognitions

Kathmandu. On the occasion of its 27th anniversary, the Film Journalists Association Nepal has presented honors and awards to various film journalists. The association has been celebrating National Film Journalism Day along with its anniversary every year on the 7th of Jestha. On this occasion, honors and awards were presented to 6 film journalists who have been contributing to film journalism.

At a ceremony organized on Thursday at Lisara Reception in Kathmandu, Ananta Wagle was honored under the 'National Film Journalism Silver Honor 2083' along with a cash prize of 55,555 rupees. Similarly, 'National Film Journalism Honor-2083' was presented to Jayan Subba Manandhar and Kuber Raj Giri.

Likewise, Baikuntha Raj Parajuli was awarded under the 'National Film Journalism Award 2083' with a cash prize of 51,000 rupees, while Suraksha Bhattarai was honored under the 'Late Dinesh Sitaula Memorial National Film Journalism Award 2083' along with a cash prize of 51,000 rupees.

Under the National 'Film Journalism Encouragement Honor 2083', Milan Dhungana was honored along with a cash prize of 25,000 rupees. During the program, a posthumous special honor was paid to the late Dinesh Sitaula.

The event, organized by the Film Journalists Association Nepal, saw a significant presence of artists from the film industry, journalists, producers, directors, and representatives of various organizations. The program, which welcomed guests and honored personalities with Panche Baja, added a special attraction with cultural and musical performances.

The chief guest of the program, Dinesh DC, Chairperson of the Film Development Board, mentioned that Nepalese film journalism is gradually becoming organized and systematic, stating that the role of journalism in film promotion is incomparable. Expressing his view that it is necessary to further strengthen discipline, dignity, and ethics in journalism, he urged to avoid the tendency of prioritizing baseless matters.

Special guest actor Rajesh Hamal mentioned that there is a deep connection between the film and journalism sectors, stating that both sectors have made remarkable development over time. He expressed his view that amidst the current 'click culture' and technological challenges, the need for factual, responsible, and serious journalism has increased even more.

Actress Karishma Manandhar stated that the film and journalism sectors are complementary to each other, mentioning that journalism is the main medium to bring films to the audience. She said that the collaboration between artists and journalists should be further strengthened.

Samir Balami, President of the program, emphasized the need to make film journalism more organized, dignified, and responsible, expressing his commitment to make the association more powerful and active. 

Similarly, the General Secretary of the association, Gopi Krishna Chapagain, said that film journalists who are newly entering the field to those active in this sector for three decades were honored and awarded. Chapagain informed that next year's Journalism Day will be even grander.

On this occasion, honors and remembrances were expressed towards the founders, including founding President Bharat Shakya, while tributes were paid to the immediate past President, the late Dinesh Sitaula.

The program was attended by dozens of filmmakers and presidents and representatives of organizations related to cinema, including Basundhara Bhusal, Bhuwan Chand, Chaitya Devi Singh, Ashok Sharma, Gyanendra Deuja, KP Pathak, Badri Pangeni, Rishi Lamichhane, Nawal Nepal, Karishma Manandhar, Nikhil Upreti, Rekha Thapa, Paul Shah, Surakshya Panta, Jitu Nepal, Narendra Maharjan, Uttam KC, Arun Kumar Pradhan, Pushkar Lama, Narayan Pradhan, Janak Karki, Basanta Bityasi Thapa, among others.

Similarly, former presidents of the association Bidur Giri, Shantipriya, Sandeep Sapkota, and the founding team were present. In the program collaborated by the Film Development Board, the medical team of the association's hospital partner, Everest Hospital, conducted a health check-up. 

Additionally, brands such as Nabil Bank, Medanta Ayurveda Hospital, Royal Fashion Tailor, Sreekesh Hair Oil, Sabitri Kanchanjanga Agarbatti, Laligurans Jewellers, Star Boss Coffee, Hamro Automobiles, OSR Digital, Highlights Nepal, Lungato Creation, Samrat Films, Kuber Cine Distribution, Jai Nepal Cinemas, AB Films, Kwitty Care Beauty Hub and Training Center supported the event.

In the program, model Asmita Puri performed a welcome dance, while singer Process Pandey, who is also a winner of The Voice of Nepal, sang a movie song.