The first-ever Kathmandu Horror Film Festival (KHFF) concluded on Sunday evening, marking a milestone for Nepal’s film industry. Organized by the Nepal Film & Cultural Academy, the three-day festival celebrated horror cinema as a form of art and cultural expression, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from across the world. Featuring 25 films from 15 countries, KHFF showcased a powerful blend of creativity, emotion, and storytelling that pushed the boundaries of the genre and elevated Nepal’s cinematic identity on the global stage.
Academy Vice-president Shiv Puri said the festival was an effort to use film as a medium to connect culture, messages, and creativity. He noted that this event had opened the door toward achieving that goal, setting the foundation for greater collaboration between Nepali and international filmmakers.
The festival opened with Shaman, a visually mesmerizing Russian film directed by Mikhail Merzlikin, which drew viewers into the mystical world of a Siberian village where the lines between spirits and humans blur. Set on the banks of the Yenisei River, the film follows a shaman who guides villagers between the spirit and human realms from his yurt, watched over by an unseen female spirit. The screening was praised for its poetic portrayal of ritual, desire, and faith. The grand opening ceremony saw the presence of diplomats, filmmakers, and cultural figures who hailed the festival as a bold and refreshing step for Nepali cinema.
The first day of KHFF offered a journey into psychological and emotional horror. A Year of Marriage (Mexico), directed by Pablo Camargo Lopez, explored love and decay as a newlywed couple receives a mysterious creature as a wedding gift, testing the fragility of their relationship. The Leopard (India), directed by Mukti Krishan, portrayed the fear and paranoia of urban life after a leopard’s intrusion leaves a boy deeply traumatized. The day closed with Labinak (Indonesia) by Azhar Kinoi Lubis, a gripping cannibalistic horror film about a teacher who uncovers an ancient ritual tied to a powerful foundation. The film went on to win Best Feature Film at KHFF 2025.
The second day balanced international narratives with Nepali originality. Khel (Nepal), directed by Anurag Pradhan and Astha Shrestha, told the story of a group of girls revisiting their haunted dormitory to finish an unfinished game, blending friendship, guilt, and the supernatural. Another Nepali film, Down by the Riverside, directed by Anuska Anada, offered a minimalist yet haunting portrayal of a father whose peaceful day by the river turns into a surreal journey through the unknown. The Indian film Bokshi, directed by Bhargav Saikia, became one of the festival’s most talked-about screenings for its meditation on myth, superstition, and womanhood. It later received the Jury Special Award for its cultural and visual brilliance.
The final day featured two powerful titles—The Ritual (Nepal) and Foreigners Only (Bangladesh). Directed by Bishal Roka Magar, The Ritual follows a man’s rebellion against sacred traditions and the terrifying spiritual consequences that follow. Foreigners Only, directed by Nuhash Humayun, told the story of a homeless tannery owner’s desperate fight against urban discrimination in Dhaka. Its gripping metaphorical horror earned Humayun the Best Youth Filmmaker Award.
In addition to Labinak winning Best Feature Film, A Year of Marriage (Mexico) took home the Best Short Film Award, while Bokshi (India) received the Jury Special Award. The festival’s organizers expressed their satisfaction with the enthusiastic audience turnout, calling it “beyond expectations.” Viewers praised KHFF’s professional execution and its unique focus on horror as a serious cinematic art.
Over three thrilling days, KHFF captivated local and international audiences with its diversity of themes, ranging from emotional trauma to folklore and superstition. Audience members described the festival as “a hauntingly beautiful experience” and “a new identity for Nepali horror cinema.” The Nepal Film & Cultural Academy extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, filmmakers, volunteers, and attendees for their contribution to the festival’s success.
