Nepal is set to make a bold entry into the world of genre cinema with the launch of the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest, the country’s first-ever film festival dedicated exclusively to horror, fantasy, and folklore. Scheduled from October 31 to November 2, 2025, the festival will coincide with Halloween, bringing a spine-chilling yet culturally rich cinematic experience to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Horror Film Fest
Organised by the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy in collaboration with the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest promises to be a landmark event for Nepali audiences and filmmakers alike.
Why the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest Matters
For years, Nepal’s film scene has thrived with diverse genres, but dedicated platforms for horror, fantasy, and folklore films have been notably absent. Festival Director Rasik Pathak, a veteran of the Nepali film festival circuit, explains the motivation behind this new venture:
“Horror is increasingly popular among Nepali youth, yet there are limited opportunities for filmmakers working in this genre to showcase their work,” Pathak shares. “The Kathmandu Horror Film Fest is designed to fill that gap and build a dedicated audience for such storytelling.”
The festival’s focus on horror, fantasy, and folklore reflects not just global cinematic trends but also Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Folklore, in particular, has been an essential part of Nepalese identity, with countless myths, legends, and ghost stories passed down through generations.
A Global and Local Cinematic Celebration
The Kathmandu Horror Film Fest is not simply a local showcase. The festival features a carefully curated selection of internationally acclaimed and award-winning films—both feature-length and short films—that have made their mark at top global festivals such as Berlin and Cannes.
While horror is the headline genre, fantasy and folklore films play a central role in the programming, aiming to expose Nepali audiences to a wide range of creative narratives within these genres.
Pathak emphasises, “Our goal is to bring the best global cinema of these genres to Nepal and at the same time encourage local filmmakers to experiment and grow in these storytelling styles.”
Keeping Nepali Culture at the Heart of the Festival
Though the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest aligns with the Halloween season, organisers have made it clear that the festival will retain a distinctly Nepali flavour. Attendees can look forward to:
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Traditional costumes inspired by local myths and folklore
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Authentic Nepali food stalls featuring seasonal delicacies
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Live music performances rooted in Nepali cultural motifs
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Decor and thematic elements that celebrate Nepal’s rich storytelling traditions
This blend of international cinema with local cultural elements ensures that the festival is not just an entertainment event but a cultural celebration that resonates deeply with Nepali audiences.
International Competition and Awards
An exciting feature of the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest is its international competition. Filmmakers from across the globe are invited to submit their work by the October 12 deadline. Awards will be given in several categories, including:
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Best Feature Film
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Best Short Film
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Best South Asian Film
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Best Youth Film
These awards aim to recognise outstanding talent and encourage creative excellence in genre filmmaking, both locally and internationally.
Impact on Nepal’s Film Industry and Tourism
The launch of the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest is more than just a new event—it signals a growing maturity in Nepal’s film industry and cultural tourism sector. Horror and fantasy genres have strong global fan bases, and Nepal is uniquely positioned to blend these with its folklore heritage.
For filmmakers, the festival provides a much-needed platform to showcase their creativity and gain international exposure. For audiences, it opens a window to new kinds of stories, combining global cinematic standards with familiar cultural themes.
Moreover, the festival is expected to draw film enthusiasts and tourists to Kathmandu during the Halloween season, boosting local businesses and cultural venues.
What to Expect at the Festival
Though final details, including the venue, are yet to be announced, the Kathmandu Horror Film Fest promises a thrilling lineup of events and activities, such as:
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Film screenings of selected international and Nepali horror, fantasy, and folklore films
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Panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and experts
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Costume contests inspired by horror and folklore characters
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Workshops on genre filmmaking and storytelling techniques
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Cultural performances integrating traditional Nepali music and dance
This immersive experience will offer visitors a unique way to engage with Nepal’s cinematic and cultural worlds.
How to Participate or Attend
Filmmakers interested in submitting their works can find detailed guidelines on the official festival website. With the submission deadline set for October 12, 2025, there is still time to apply for the international competition.
For visitors and Nepali cinephiles, the festival is expected to be open to the public, with ticket information to be announced soon. Whether you are a fan of horror, fantasy, or folklore—or simply curious about new film experiences this festival is a must-attend event in Kathmandu this autumn.
The Kathmandu Horror Film Fest is a pioneering event that bridges the gap between Nepal’s rich cultural storytelling traditions and the growing global popularity of horror and fantasy genres. By offering a dedicated platform for these films, the festival not only nurtures local talent but also attracts international filmmakers and audiences to Nepal.
This Halloween season, Kathmandu transforms into a hub for thrilling tales and cultural celebration. Keep an eye on ExploreAllAboutNepal for the latest updates, venue announcements, and festival highlights.