The ‘Nepal Indigenous Film Festival 2025’ successfully wrapped up in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The event was hosted by the Nepal-Scotland Association, celebrating indigenous voices through films rooted in Nepali culture and storytelling.
Nepali indigenous films take center stage
The festival honored Nepali-language films that reflect indigenous themes and stories. Navin Subba’s film ‘Gaun Aayeko Bato’ emerged as the best in the Nepali language category, while ‘Sugup’ won the award for best indigenous feature film.
Here’s the full list of winners
| Category | Award | Winner(s) | Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Films | Best Short Film | — | Khil |
| Jury Award for Short Film | — | Lailasa Paraheke | |
| Documentaries | Best Documentary | — | Everest Mum |
| Jury Award for Documentary | — | Divine Dilemma | |
| Indigenous & Ethnic Films | Best Screenplay | Hemant Krishna Pangdhak | Hangnand |
| Best Actor | Purna Limbu | Namlo | |
| Best Actress | Ashishma Nakarmi | Lakhe Aju | |
| Best Director (Jury Award) | Sagar Kerung | Chhe | |
| Best Director | Pritam Gurung | Mukhiya | |
| Best Film | — | Sugup | |
| Special Mention Award | — | Nachong | |
| Mainstream Indigenous Films | Best Screenplay | Mahesh Rai | Gaun Aayeko Bato |
| Best Supporting Actress | Sirjana Subba | Anjila | |
| Best Supporting Actor | Mao Tse Gurung | Anjila | |
| Best Debut Actor | Ritesh Chams | Gurkha Warrior | |
| Best Debut Actress | Srijana Ninglekhu | Karsang | |
| Best Actor | Dayahang Rai | Gaun Aayeko Bato | |
| Best Actress | Miruna Magar | Ghar Jwai | |
| Best Director | Milan Chams | Anjila | |
| Best Film | — | Gaun Aayeko Bato |
Honoring contributors from the UK
The closing ceremony also recognized individuals living in the UK for their contributions to Nepali cinema and related fields. According to Arunkumar Pradhan, President of the Nepal Film Workers Federation of Province No. 1, the event featured Nepali Ambassador to the UK, Chandrakumar Ghimire, as the chief guest and saw strong participation from the Nepali community.
