KATHMANDU, Dec 7: What began as a bi-annual festival in 2000, transformed into an annual affair from 2007 due to public demand and interest from film-makers. The Kathmandu International Film Festival (KIMFF) in its 12th year and 10th edition, opened at the City Hall in Bhrikutimandap on Friday. The inaugural ceremony proceeded with a dance by actress Deeya Maskey. Choreographed by Subima Shrestha, founder of Nrityaagan, the dance was a Dhime and Kathak fusion.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Basanta Thapa, Festival Chair, said, “With this edition, there are increasing numbers of filmmakers who add depth and quality to this already successful event. He mentioned that KIMFF is often a springboard for upcoming filmmakers providing a boost and much needed exposure for their skills and creativity. Thapa also informed the audience that not just limiting the festival to Kathmandu, the best of KIMFF 2012 will also reach ten other venues in Nepal through ‘Travelling KIMFF’.[break]
The inaugural ceremony was marked by the showcasing of ‘Who Will Be A Gurkha’, a film by award winning documentary maker, Kesang Tseten. ‘Himalayan Gold Rush’ by Erik Valli and ‘Soongava: dance of the orchids’ by Subarna Thapa are also featured as special attractions of the festival this year. Altogether, 62 films from 28 countries will be showcased in the International Competition and Nepal Panorama sections of KIMFF, across two different venues, City Hall and Nepal Tourism Board.
Bhaswor Ojha/Republica
From R to L: Basanta Thapa, Festival Chair, along with two of the jury members Marianne Pletscher and John Porter inaugurating KIMFF 2012 at City Hall in Bhrikutimandap on Friday.
The festival also has satellite events such as panel discussions, ‘Know Your Himal Quiz’, photography and alternative book exhibition as well as a documentary/filmmaking workshop.
KIMFF 2012 is scheduled to end with an award ceremony on 11 December.
I was there as an observer: Kesang Tseten
KATHMANDU, Dec 7: Surrounded by people after the screening of his film ‘Who Will Be A Gurkha’, Kesang Tseten is relaxed and
manages to find time to share a few words with everyone. The filmmaker has films like Frames of War, We Corner People and Machhendranath: On the Road, etc to his credit. Amidst the crowd of friends and well wishers, Republica caught up with him for a short chat.How did you decide upon this particular subject for your film?
Essentially, I was about to make four films on the subject of masculinity. I wasn’t sure exactly, but my plan was to do something along the lines of football players, monks. Some of my Gurkha friends had been asking me to make a film about Gurkha soldiers, but it wasn’t until I thought about the recruitment process that it started appearing interesting.
Kesang Tseten
Were there any difficulties during the filmmaking?
Before I started with the shooting, I considered that it would be extremely difficult to get permission to shoot within the camp. I needed authorization from the British embassy, the British and the Nepali officials within the camp and I had no idea how to start. Then I met a British friend, who was of immense help to me. The next thing I know, I had all the required consent to start shooting.
What can you tell us about your filmmaking process?
Altogether, the shooting took around 22 days. I knew I didn’t want to select a group of people and follow them and show their story. With this film, I practiced the observational method. It wasn’t planned: I let things flow and recorded moments as it happened. I was there as an observer.
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