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Nepal Students Union (NSU) at Nepal Law Campus is organizing a free screening of the critically acclaimed Nepali drama film Shambhala, followed by a panel discussion featuring members of the movie's crew. Shambhala, a 2024 release directed by Min Bahadur Bham and starring Thinley Lhamo, Tenzin Dalha, and Sonam Topden, gained international recognition as the first Nepali film to compete at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival for the prestigious Golden Bear.

The event is scheduled for Sept 30 (Monday) at 6:30 am at Vishwajyoti Cineplex, Jamal. The panel discussion will feature director Min Bahadur Bham, lead actors Thinley Lhamo and Karma Shakya, who will engage with students and attendees. The discussion is expected to explore themes such as women’s empowerment and the portrayal of northern Nepalese society through the lens of cinema.

"This event will play a key role in reflecting the reality of northern Nepal through the medium of cinema and will highlight women's empowerment issues across the country," said MD Mazid Parwez, President of NSU Nepal Law Campus.

While entry to the screening is free, only 150 participants will be allowed, and they must register via a Google Form provided by NSU NLC. The event will be hosted by Ashis Sapkota and aims to foster a connection between law students, the legal fraternity, and Nepal's often-overlooked northern culture.

White hair, a white sweater beneath a black coat and pants. A smiling face etched with the lines of age. The entire right side of his body is immobile, requiring support even to stand, let alone walk. Yet his spirit burns as brightly as that of a 16-year-old. He is a master of creativity and the composer of thousands of captivating melodies.

At 87, Japanese pianist Izumi Tateno recently performed in Kathmandu. He left the audience spellbound at a concert held at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Kikuta Yutaka in Soaltee Mode. Organized by the Japanese Embassy in Nepal, Tateno unleashed the sweet tones and melodies of the piano, mesmerizing everyone in attendance.

Visiting Nepal for the first time at the age of 87, Tateno brought with him sweet melodies. A massive piano was the only thing on the stage. Tateno arrived on stage in a wheelchair and delivered an extraordinary musical experience. The audience, including ambassadors from various countries and distinguished guests, were deeply touched by his music. He created different rhythms on the piano with just one hand, spreading sweetness in every heartbeat.

Tateno’s piano craze is simply astonishing. Everyone marveled at the Japanese melodies that flowed from the piano as he produced beautiful tunes with his eyes closed.

As National Poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire once said, no one can stop the power of creativity. Neither age, physical limitations, nor any other obstacle can hinder it.

Tateno’s life has seen many ups and downs. The right side of his body is paralyzed, and he cannot stand upright without support. But the melodies he creates with his left hand on the piano are exceptional. His unique ability to captivate and mesmerize the audience is remarkable.

Born in Tokyo in 1936, Tateno has been a permanent resident of Finland since 1964. Even at 87, his energy is admirable. He performed in India and Bhutan before coming to Nepal.  

Although this was his first visit to Nepal, Tateno appeared at ease, bowing repeatedly in gratitude and respect toward the Nepali audience. Tateno, who has composed music for hundreds of songs in Japanese and other languages, has a voice as melodious as his music. His dedication to the rhythm and music of the piano was palpable.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka, who attended the concert, took Tateno’s name with great reverence. He wholeheartedly praised the pianist's work and abilities, calling him a king of the piano and a special creator of Japanese music.

Tateno presented more than half a dozen tunes in various styles and melodies. He lost himself in the music as he pressed the keys with one hand, and after each performance, he would scan the audience, perhaps wondering, “Did my melodies reach them? Did they sway with the piano’s rhythm?”

With each performance, the audience responded with thunderous applause. Tateno made the hour entirely piano-centric, freezing time with the sweetness of his music. He swayed in rhythm and poured emotions into the melodies. 

It is said that art knows no geography, no fixed language or rhythm, no caste or religion. Creativity touches minds, feels heartbeats and speaks the language of the soul. This autumn evening swayed to the rhythm of Piano Master Izumi Tateno’s music.

The much-anticipated documentary ‘The Unsilenced’, directed by Tosit Ghatanee and produced by Pramod Lamichhane, is set to premiere in Nepal on October 6 at CTC Mall in Kathmandu. Produced by Wayne Films Pvt Ltd, the film delves into the struggles of four Nepali women, chronicling their challenging journeys as they confront social norms and rebuild their lives. 

Inspired by true events, ‘The Unsilenced’ has a runtime of one hour and nine minutes. Tickets for the premiere are now on sale, priced at Rs 750.

The documentary follows the lives of four women: Radha, Maya, Sundari, and Sukun. Radha, who was forced into domestic servitude after child marriage, sacrifices her dream of becoming an actress. Maya, a survivor of human trafficking in Kuwait, returns to Nepal to start a new life as an entrepreneur. Sundari, challenging societal norms, becomes a priest in a traditionally male-dominated role, while Sukun, from a lower caste, supports her family by making handicrafts in the mountains of Nepal.

After its Nepal premiere, ‘The Unsilenced’ will have its international debut at Palace Central Cinemas in Sydney, Australia, on Oct 31, followed by a screening at Laemmle Theaters in California, USA, on 10 Jan 2025.

The documentary has garnered accolades at numerous international festivals. It was a Gold winner at the International Independent Film Awards and an award winner at Italy’s Reale Film Festival. It also made the finals at the UK Indie Awards and Spain's Indie Awards in Barcelona, and was screened at prestigious events such as Denmark’s International Women's Film Festival and the New York Film and Cinematography Awards.

Wayne Films, which operates globally with offices in Nepal, Lithuania, the USA, and the UK, continues to expand its reach with this powerful film about resilience and empowerment.

Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios 2023 has unveiled the crown of Miss Universe Nepal 2024. The Crown Reveal Ceremony took place at the Hilton Kathmandu, where dignitaries, celebrities, and the top 22 contestants of Miss Universe Nepal 2024 gathered to witness the moment. The crown, named the ‘Star of the Universe’, is designed to represent empowerment, resilience, and the cultural richness of Nepal, says the pageant organizer. “Made from white gold and adorned with diamonds and vibrant gemstones, it symbolizes the beauty and strength of the women competing for the title.”

Palacios expressed her honor in unveiling the crown, stating that it represents not just beauty but the determination of every contestant. Before the crown reveal, the contestants participated in a preliminary round judged by a panel of experts. The Miss Universe Nepal 2024 grand finale will be held on Sept 7, where the winner will earn the chance to represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2024.