Dayahang, Swastima are best actors at Rural Film festival

A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 22: Actor Dayahang Rai and actress Swastima Khadka clinched the Best Actor and Actress awards for their films ‘Dimag Kharab’ and ‘Nango Gaun’ respectively, at the 3rd Nepal Rural Film Festival. 

The festival concluded in Ramechhap district on Saturday, awarding Laxman Subedi’s film ‘Sati Devi’ as the Best Film, while Nischal Basnet clinched the title of Best Director for ‘Dimag Kharab’.

 ‘Sati Devi’ also took home the award for Best Screenplay. Mallika Mahat received the Jury Mention Award for Best Actress for her role in the film. 

‘Bichchhed’, directed by Satyaraj Chulagain and featuring Mukun Bhushal, received a Jury Mention Award at the festival. 

In the short film category, ‘Mother’ by Pariparchad Sen emerged as the winner while the Magar-language film ‘Marang’ directed by Buddiya S. Magar, was awarded the best in the cultural film category. 

Similarly, ‘Ritto Gaun’ directed by Ramji Gyawali, received a Jury Mention Award for the best short film.

 ‘Antai Maya’ directed by Randhir Shrestha was declared the best, and Anil Budhamgar's ‘The Iron Digger’ claimed the top spot in the documentary category.

 Sankalp Bhujel’s cinematography in ‘Bichchhed’ and Banish Shah’s editing in ‘Nango Gaun’ were recognised with awards.

 Former chairman and director of the Film Development Board, Dayaram Dahal, highlighted Ramechhap’s potential as a filming location for rural-themed movies during the festival. 

Raghunath Sapkota, president of the organising organisation, said that there was also a dialogue programme on various topics related to the film. 

The festival was held in collaboration with Ramechhap Municipality and Film Development Board. 

This festival is being organised in places where there is no facility of a film hall, said Sapkota.