The Janakpur International Film Festival (JIFF) has been officially announced and is set to take place from 16 to 18 Falgun 2081 (28 February to 2 March 2025) in Janakpurdham, Madhesh Province. The announcement was made at a program held in Kathmandu, as informed by the organizing body, Sambad Foundation.
The festival aims to promote the internationalization of Nepali cinema, explore new markets, opportunities, and possibilities, and strengthen film culture at both national and international levels. By hosting the festival in Janakpur—one of Nepal’s most significant cultural and historical cities, JIFF seeks to connect regional narratives with global cinematic discourse.
According to the organizers, the festival will feature film screenings under multiple categories, including International Panorama, Nepali Panorama, and Student Panorama, among others. These sections are designed to encourage participation from established filmmakers, emerging voices, and film students, creating an inclusive platform for cinematic expression.
The organizers also revealed that the festival has received an overwhelming response from filmmakers worldwide, with film submissions arriving from more than 114 countries, reflecting strong international interest and positioning JIFF as a globally relevant cultural event from its very first edition.
Speaking at the announcement event, renowned Nepali actress Rekha Thapa introduced herself as a “daughter of Madhesh” and expressed her belief that hosting an international film festival in Madhesh Province would represent the entirety of Nepali art and culture on a global stage. She emphasized Mithila as the birthplace of art and women-centric cultural traditions, while also expressing concern over the increasing encroachment on Nepal’s indigenous languages and cultures. Festivals like JIFF, she noted, play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and promoting Nepali cinema.
The organizers further stated that the official list of selected competition films and the jury panel will be announced soon. With its strong cultural grounding, international participation, and focus on dialogue through cinema, the Janakpur International Film Festival is expected to become a significant addition to Nepal’s growing film festival landscape, while also establishing Janakpurdham as an emerging hub for cultural and cinematic exchange.
