Kathmandu, May 11
Eklo, a Nepali film, will be participating in various programs of the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival, set to begin on Tuesday. The prestigious festival will be held from May 13 to 24 in Cannes, located in the southeastern French Riviera.
While Eklo has not been selected for the official competition, it will take part in the Marché du Film (Cannes Market), one of the world’s largest film industry gatherings. For the first time, a Nepali film will have its own stall in the market to pitch directly to international distributors, sales agents, and producers.
Producers Ritesh Rana, Sangita Shrestha, Bhai Raja Thapa, Raju Gurung, and Utsav Bista will represent Eklo at the market, which runs from May 13 to 21. Cooperative Director Rishta Karki will lead the film’s marketing efforts.
Preparations are also underway to display Nepal’s national flag at the film’s market stall. Director Pradeep Shahi has traveled to Paris and will represent Eklo in the Cannes Producers Network.
“We are trying to connect Nepal and Eklo through this year’s Cannes,” Director Shahi told Onlinekhabar from Paris.
According to Shahi, seven international distribution companies—including four from the United States, two from Japan, and one from India—have already expressed interest in the film after viewing details on the festival’s website.
At the Cannes Market, Eklo will be promoted not only as a film project but also as part of a broader initiative to spotlight Nepal’s film locations and encourage international co-productions. Shahi’s selection for the Producers Network had already made headlines, and his agenda includes networking with global producers, pitching the film, and discussing future collaborations.
“This is the first time a Nepali film is setting up its own stall in the market. Our goal is also to promote Nepal as a viable shooting destination,” Shahi said.
Over 250 events—including conferences, pitching sessions, and workshops—are scheduled within the Producers Network to foster collaboration and business development. Shahi and members of Eklo‘s cast are also preparing to walk the red carpet and attend film premieres, though final confirmations are pending.
More than 14,000 participants from 140 countries are expected to attend the Cannes Market this year, featuring 1,500 screenings and 4,000 film projects.
