Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) 2026

Location
Kathmandu, Nepal

Open to
International and national filmmakers. NIFF accepts submissions in the following categories:

• Narrative Feature (over 60 minutes)

• Narrative Short (under 30 minutes)

• Documentary (over 30 minutes)

• Student Short Films (national and international)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Films (films about or made using AI)

National productions may exceed the general runtime limits.

Application Fee
Fees vary by category and submission date. All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
Deadlines:

• Earlybird: August 15, 2025

• Standard: October 15, 2025

• Extended: December 15, 2025

What’s Provided

• Screening at a major South Asian film platform

• Cash awards ranging from $500–$1500 USD and prestigious trophies (e.g., Gautama Buddha Award, Mt. Everest Award)

• Extensive industry programming including masterclasses, panels, workshops, and networking sessions

• Audience and press exposure at multiple major cinema venues

• Premiere and promotional opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers

What the artist/applicant must cover
Submission fee
DCP screener delivery (for selected films)
Travel and accommodation (NIFF does not pay screening fees)

Duration
Festival runs from March 5–9, 2026

Deadline
Extended Deadline: December 15, 2025
Notification Date: January 15, 2026

Other Notes

• Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024

• Must include English subtitles

• Premiere status in Nepal is preferred

• AI film category is open to innovative work either made with or about Artificial Intelligence

• Selected films must submit full press kits and final DCP copies by January 31, 2026