Kathmandu Horror Film Fest 2025 kicks off on Halloween night

Kathmandu — The first-ever Kathmandu Horror Film Fest 2025 opened on Friday evening at the Russian House, Kamalpokhari, coinciding with the global celebration of Halloween.

Organised by the Nepal Film and Culture Academy (NFCA) in collaboration with the Russian House and the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the three-day festival aims to introduce a new cinematic genre to Nepal’s film audience — one that celebrates fear, mystery and imagination.

Festival Director Rashik Pathak inaugurated the event, calling horror cinema “one of the most human of all genres.”

“For decades, Nepali cinema has explored love, society and spirituality — but tonight, we explore a new area: fear, mystery and imagination,” Pathak said during his opening remarks. “Horror is not just about ghosts and shadows; it is about confronting the unknown within and around us.”

Pathak added that the festival, opening on Halloween, seeks to link Nepali storytellers with the global community of horror lovers and filmmakers.

Exploring shared emotions through culture
Dinesh DC, Chairman of the Film Development Board (FDB) and the event’s chief guest, drew parallels between Halloween and Nepal’s traditional festivals such as Gathemangal and Gaijatra, both rooted in themes of fear and reflection.

“The world is equal, and emotions like fear and courage are universal,” he said. “Even in a materialistic age, festivals like this preserve human connection and strengthen our creative bonds.”

He added that the FDB is working toward forming a consortium of film festival organisers across the country to strengthen collaboration and support independent initiatives like KHFF.

Strengthening cultural ties through cinema
Veteran filmmaker Tulsi Ghimire, Advisor of NFCA, described the event as a “good initiative and an excellent platform” that fosters both national and international cultural exchange. He said that collaborations between institutions like the Russian House and NFCA contribute meaningfully to creative growth and cross-cultural understanding.

Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House and Counsellor at the Russian Embassy, echoed the sentiment, adding that cinema connects cultures and creates opportunities for learning.

“We are delighted to collaborate with NFCA for this festival,” she said. “We’re also pleased to offer scholarships for Nepali students interested in studying filmmaking in Russia.”

Encouraging learning and experimentation
Festival jury member Raj Bhai Suwal encouraged attendees to watch as many films as possible during the event.

“Events like this are invaluable for those passionate about filmmaking. Don’t miss any of the films — every story offers something to learn,” he said.

Other jury members include Alexandra Enberg from Sweden, Yasmine Bouchfar from Morocco, and Hosam Fahmy from Germany, who are participating remotely by submitting their verdicts online.

A global platform for Nepali storytellers
NFCA Vice Chairman Shiva Puri said the festival represents a new beginning for the Nepali film industry.
“This is not only a platform to showcase horror films but also a starting point — a new concept and genre for Nepali cinema,” he said. “Our mission is to take Nepali stories to the international stage and inspire the next generation of creators.”

The festival opened with the Russian feature Shaman, directed by Mikhail Merzlikin, and features 25 films from 15 countries, selected from over 80 submissions. The line-up includes works exploring psychological, supernatural, and folkloric elements of horror.

Awards and screenings
The festival will run until November 2, presenting three awards — Best Feature Film, Best Short Film and Best Youth Film (for filmmakers under 30).

Screening tickets are available via the Khalti App, with all shows taking place at the Russian House.
As the first screening began, the audience settled into the darkened hall, marking a rare moment in Nepali cinema — a celebration of fear as an art form.

“At Kathmandu Horror Film Fest, we celebrate courage,” Pathak said. “The courage of creators who push boundaries, and of audiences who embrace the unknown.”