Sunita Dangol Calls Cannes Success Historic for Nepali Cinema

Kathmandu Metropolitan City acting mayor Sunita Dangol has called Nepal’s presence and recognition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival a historic moment for the country’s creative industry. Returning to Kathmandu on Saturday after attending the festival in France, Dangol said Nepali cinema had reached a new international height through its achievement at one of the world’s biggest film platforms.

She described the selection of a Nepali film in the “Un Certain Regard” section for the first time in Cannes history as a matter of national pride. Director Avinash Bikram Shah’s film Elephant in the Fog went on to win the Jury Prize in the category, drawing attention to Nepal’s growing presence in global cinema.

Dangol recalled the emotional response inside the screening hall after the film’s premiere, where audiences stood and applauded for nearly eight minutes.

“It was not just emotional for the team involved, but for all Nepalis,” she said at Tribhuvan International Airport. “Winning recognition on an international stage like Cannes is a major achievement for Nepal.”

Creative sector to receive policy support

Dangol said Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing policy-level initiatives to strengthen Nepal’s creative and cultural sectors beyond one-time events. According to her, discussions are underway to build long-term institutional support for film, arts and creative industries through local government mechanisms.

She also shared that talks were held in Cannes regarding technical cooperation and future collaboration for the planned Kathmandu Film Festival. During the visit, she met representatives from different cities and cultural institutions who showed interest in supporting the initiative.

Kathmandu seeking international creative partnerships

Dangol attended a special reception and dinner hosted by Cannes mayor David Lisnard during the festival. She said the visit helped open doors for international partnerships and offered Kathmandu an opportunity to present itself globally as a creative city.

She also invited Lisnard to visit Nepal and attend the upcoming Kathmandu Film Festival.

On the Cannes red carpet, Dangol appeared in traditional Nepali attire including Haku Patasi and heritage jewellery reflecting Newa culture, drawing attention to Nepal’s cultural identity alongside its cinematic success.