Lumbini International Film Festival (LIFF)

Lumbini International Film Festival (LIFF)
2 – 4 October 2026 (16–18 Ashwin 2083 B.S.)
Tansen, Palpa | Lumbini Province, Nepal

Where Cinema Meets Culture, Heritage & Tourism
The Lumbini International Film Festival (LIFF) is an international film and cultural festival organized by Katha Mandala. The festival aims to celebrate the power of cinema as a tool for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, artistic expression, and social dialogue.
Held in the historic hill town of Tansen, Palpa, LIFF brings together filmmakers, artists, cultural practitioners, tourism professionals, academics, students, and audiences from Nepal and around the world. Through film screenings, discussions, exhibitions, and cultural performances, the festival showcases the rich cultural heritage, diverse communities, and breathtaking landscapes of Lumbini Province while creating opportunities for international collaboration and creative exchange.

Vision
To establish Lumbini Province as a leading film, cultural, and creative destination in South Asia through the transformative power of cinema.

Mission
• Promote the art, culture, heritage, and tourism of Lumbini Province through cinema.
• Foster collaboration and networking among Nepali and international filmmakers.
• Preserve and promote local stories, traditions, and indigenous cultures through film.
• Encourage film tourism and creative industries as drivers of sustainable development.
• Inspire young filmmakers and emerging creative talents through learning and exchange.

Festival Highlights
Film Screenings
Over three days, LIFF will present 25–30 carefully selected films from Nepal and around the world, including:
• Feature Films
• Short Films
• Documentary Films
• International Cinema
• Socially Engaged Films
• Films on Culture, Heritage, Human Rights, and Environment
Films are selected based on artistic excellence, originality, storytelling, social relevance, and cultural significance.

Filmmaker Q&A Sessions
Following selected screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers, producers, actors, and industry professionals through interactive question-and-answer sessions.

Panel Discussions
LIFF will host discussions featuring filmmakers, scholars, tourism experts, policymakers, and cultural leaders on topics such as:
• Cinema and Tourism Development
• Indigenous Culture and Storytelling
• Film and the Creative Economy
• Cultural Heritage Preservation Through Cinema
• International Film Collaboration

Photography Exhibition
A curated photography exhibition showcasing the beauty and diversity of Lumbini Province, featuring:
• Cultural Heritage
• Historic Architecture
• Indigenous Communities
• Landscapes and Nature
• Tourism Destinations
• Traditional Lifestyles

Cultural Performances
The festival will celebrate Nepal’s rich cultural diversity through:
• Traditional Music
• Folk Dance Performances
• Indigenous Cultural Shows
• Local Art and Craft Presentations
• Live Musical Events

Awards
An international jury will recognize outstanding films in the following categories:
• Best Nepali Feature Film
• Best Nepali Documentary
• Best International Feature Film
• Best International Documentary
• Jury Mention Award
Award winners will receive trophies and certificates of recognition.

Why LIFF?
Lumbini International Film Festival is more than a film festival—it is a cultural movement that connects cinema with communities, heritage, creativity, and sustainable tourism.
By bringing together local and international voices, LIFF creates a platform for dialogue, artistic collaboration, cultural preservation, and economic opportunities while strengthening Nepal’s position on the global cinematic map.

Expected Impact
LIFF aims to:
• Position Lumbini Province as a destination for film and cultural tourism.
• Promote Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage to international audiences.
• Create networking and collaboration opportunities for filmmakers.
• Encourage local participation in the creative industries.
• Strengthen connections between cinema, tourism, culture, and community development.
• Support emerging filmmakers and creative professionals.

Partnership Opportunities
LIFF welcomes partnerships with:
• Government Agencies
• Local Governments
• Tourism Organizations
• Cultural Institutions
• Development Partners
• Universities
• Embassies
• International Film Organizations
• Private Sector Companies
• Media Partners
Together, we aim to build a sustainable international platform that celebrates cinema while promoting culture, tourism, and creative industries