Sarlahi. The film Mohar has been declared the Best Film at the 5th Nepal Rural Film Festival. Nazir Hussain was awarded Best Actor, while Surakshya Panta won Best Actress.
Organized by Celebrity Nepal in collaboration with the Film Development Board and Chandranagar Rural Municipality, the festival was held at Nadhiman Lake in Sarlahi.
Seventeen films were screened over three days, along with cultural processions showcasing traditional attire from various ethnic communities. Dialogue sessions focusing on Madhesh stories and tourism were also conducted.
Organizers said this was the first edition of the festival held in the Madhesh Province, contributing significantly to promoting Nepali cinema in rural areas.
The event was chaired by Celebrity Nepal president Raghunath Sapkota.
Film Development Board chairman Dinesh DC attended as chief guest, along with producer Chhabiraj Ojha and other local government representatives.
Major winners
- Best Film: Mohar
- Best Director: Om Pratik Gurung (Mohar)
- Best Actor: Nazir Hussain (Gunyo Cholo)
- Best Actress: Surakshya Panta (Koshedhunga)
- Best Screenplay: Samundra Bhatt / Nazir Hussain (Gunyo Cholo)
- Jury Award: Milan Tamang (Maitighar)
- Encouragement Award: Manzil Kumar (Koshedhunga)
- Best Editing: Nakhul Khadka (Koshedhunga)
- Best Cinematography: Babu Shrestha (Koshedhunga)
- Best Indigenous Film: Nakchhong (Director: Kiran Rai)
- Best Short Film: Nilo Akash (Director: Nirmal Paudel)
Organizers emphasized that the festival played an important role in promoting Nepali cinema, discovering new talent, and highlighting regional cultural narratives.
