20–23 February 2026 | Janakpur, Nepal
The Second Edition of the Janakpur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2026, organized by Sambad Foundation, was successfully held from 20 to 23 February 2026 in Janakpur, Nepal. Over the course of four days, the festival brought together filmmakers, artists, cultural practitioners, students, media professionals, researchers, and cinema enthusiasts from Nepal and abroad to celebrate the transformative power of film as a medium for dialogue, creativity, and social change.
Guided by the vision of promoting meaningful dialogue through cinema, the festival provided a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and intellectual engagement. Through diverse film screenings and interactive discussions, JIFF 2026 reinforced the role of cinema in fostering empathy, preserving cultural heritage, encouraging critical thinking, and strengthening connections among communities across borders.
The festival featured an impressive selection of national and international films representing diverse genres, cultures, languages, and perspectives. Fiction, documentary, short films, animation, and experimental cinema were showcased, highlighting stories that explored human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, indigenous identities, migration, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, social justice, and cultural diversity. Each screening offered audiences an opportunity to engage with stories that inspire reflection, dialogue, and positive social action.
Beyond film screenings, JIFF 2026 hosted interactive panel discussions, filmmaker conversations, question-and-answer sessions, masterclasses, networking events, and cultural exchange programs. These sessions enabled filmmakers, critics, academics, students, and audiences to discuss contemporary issues in cinema, storytelling, film production, distribution, digital innovation, and the growing role of independent filmmaking in South Asia and beyond.
One of the festival’s defining achievements was its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers. Young directors and first-time filmmakers were provided with opportunities to showcase their work, receive professional feedback, and connect with experienced filmmakers and industry experts. This initiative reflects Sambad Foundation’s long-term commitment to nurturing creative talent and strengthening Nepal’s independent film ecosystem.
The festival also celebrated Janakpur’s rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage by welcoming national and international guests to experience the city’s traditions, hospitality, and vibrant cultural landscape. Through this international gathering, Janakpur further strengthened its identity as an emerging destination for arts, culture, creative industries, and international cultural exchange.
A special awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the festival, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking and honoring creative excellence across various categories. The awards celebrated innovation, artistic quality, compelling storytelling, technical achievement, and meaningful social impact, encouraging filmmakers to continue creating cinema that informs, inspires, and unites communities.
The successful organization of JIFF 2026 was made possible through the dedication of Sambad Foundation’s organizing committee, volunteers, partners, collaborators, sponsors, media representatives, government agencies, cultural institutions, filmmakers, jury members, and audiences. Their collective efforts transformed the festival into a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and intercultural dialogue.
The Second Edition of the Janakpur International Film Festival reaffirmed Sambad Foundation’s belief that cinema is more than entertainment—it is a powerful instrument for education, dialogue, peacebuilding, and social transformation. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives from across Nepal and the international community, the festival strengthened mutual understanding, encouraged cultural appreciation, and promoted inclusive development through the arts.
Sambad Foundation expresses its sincere gratitude to every filmmaker, delegate, partner organization, volunteer, supporter, media house, and audience member whose participation contributed to the remarkable success of JIFF 2026. Their enthusiasm and commitment made the festival an inspiring platform for meaningful exchange and creative collaboration.
Building on the success of its second edition, Sambad Foundation remains committed to expanding the Janakpur International Film Festival into a leading international cultural event that connects people through cinema, amplifies diverse voices, nurtures emerging talent, and contributes to Nepal’s growing creative and cultural landscape. The Foundation looks forward to welcoming an even broader community of filmmakers, artists, scholars, and audiences in future editions as it continues its mission of fostering dialogue, understanding, and social harmony through the universal language of film.
