KATHMANDU: The 12th Nepal Africa Film Festival is set to take place in Kathmandu from June 21 to 23, as announced in a press release by the Nepal Africa Film Festival on Monday. This year, a total of 28 films, documentaries, and short films from 10 countries, including Nepal, have been chosen for the festival. The event, which has been a tradition for the past 13 years, is organized by the College of Journalism and Mass Communication and Bilakchhyan Creation, in collaboration with the Film Development Board.

The festival will showcase eight African films from nine different countries, namely South Africa, Egypt, Tanzania, Turkey, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Mauritius, and Jamaica. These selections were made from a pool of over four dozen African films and documentaries submitted from more than 15 countries. Additionally, seven Nepali and indigenous feature films, along with 10 short films, have been included in the lineup. Out of 73 submissions from Nepal, a judging team selected 20 films, documentaries, and short films for the festival.

Dr. Manju Mishra, the president and principal of the College of Journalism and Mass Communication, highlighted the festival's aim to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding between Nepal and Africa through cinema. She expressed the importance of viewing Africa through an authentic lens, beyond the perspective often portrayed by Western countries. Dabbu Kshetri, the festival director, emphasized the festival's efforts to promote cultural exchange by showcasing films from both regions.

The festival will take place at CDC Cinemas in CTC Mall in Kathmandu, offering accessible venues for the audience. Alongside film screenings, the event will feature three days of special workshops and interactive programs focused on acting. Kshetri underlined the festival's broader goal of fostering cultural appreciation and connection between Nepal and Africa through the medium of cinema.