July 8, Kathmandu
The Chalachitra Conference 2025 organised by the Department of Language and Mass Communication (DOLMC) of Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSOA) in association with the Film Critics Society, Film Directors Guild, and KIMFF ( Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival) and promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board has commenced its second day.
The conference began with two rounds of paper presentations, with each paper presenter gaining 10 minutes for their papers. The first session was chaired by Sudhamshu Dahal with Shekar Kharel as the commentator with the following paper presentations – ‘A Content Analysis Of Migrants’ Representation In The Documentaries In Search Of The Riyal And The Riyalists by Deepali Shrestha, ‘Evolution of Film Production Technology in Nepal’ by Shiva Thapa Magar and ‘ Monochrome to Polychrome: A Critical Analysis On The Historical Trajectory of Nepali Cinema From Early 60’s To Present’ by Sachin Ghimire. Each of these paper presentations provided insightful research and knowledge on representation in Nepali cinema, the evolution of cinema in regards to technological equipment and thematic value that have been occurring in Nepali film industry.
The second paper presentation was chaired by Dinesh Kafle with Surya Thapaliya and Alok Lamsal as the commentators. This session showcased presentations of ‘ Dasdhunga by Manoj Pandit: The Art of Adapting Real Life Event into film’ by Subash Chaulagain, ‘The Impact Of Modernization On Indigenous Culture: A Thematic Study Of Nabin Subba’s Gaun Aayako Bato (A Road To A Village)’ by Pradip Lamichhane, ‘Rhetorical analysis of Nepali Movie Seto Bagh and Seto Surya’ by Bigyan Sapkota and ‘Women in Recent Nepali Cinema’ by Smriti Dhunganaa. These papers dissected and analyzed narrative techniques that induce emotions and framing in films, the process of commodification and urbanization in regards to what effects they bring into indigenous culture as shown in films. It also delved into the rhetorical strategies of films with special reference to ‘Seto Bagh’ and ‘Seto Surya’ and examined the evolution of women representation in film between 2000s to 2025.
There was also a screening of two films, ‘A mother’s embrace’ directed by Diamond Upreti and award winning short film ‘Songs of Love and Hate’ directed by Saurav Ghimire.
The final event for two-day-long conference was the panel discussion on ‘ Nurturing Nepali Cinema: Conversation on Film Education, moderated by Alok Adhikari, founder of Kathmandu Doc Lab at KIMFF Foundation with the panel members Manoj Babu Pant, Filmmaker and teacher at Oscar International College, Miruna Magar Actor, Sikuma Rai, Filmmaker and Ngima Gelu Lama, Filmmaker and lecturer at KUSOA. The panel discussion focused on the importance of film school in Nepal to foster theoretical understanding, nurture creativity and build collaborative opportunities for students to transition seamlessly into formal industrial projects. Additionally, it also advocated for building cross disciplinary learning to bring in newer perspectives into film narration and direction. The panelist also placed nuanced reflections on audience literacy in Nepal with references to increased exposure to diverse storytelling and a possible change in trends of cinema watching in Nepal.
The closing ceremony commenced with remarks from Ngima Gelu Lama, convener of Chalachitra Conference expressing his gratitude on behalf of the organising committee to all the chief guests, keynote speakers, paper presenters, panelists, moderators and session chairs with special mention to all the volunteers.
To conclude the closing ceremony Nirmala Mani Adhikary, Head of Department of DOLMC, KUSOA presented his closing remarks expanding on the grand succession of the conference and valuable collaborations between all associations that have provided support to the success of this conference.
