For the third edition of Kathmandu Short film fiesta, the organisers Chhaya Chhabi Creations have announced call for submissions. The submitted film could be of any genre that includes documentary and animation and has to be no more than 45 minutes in length. The deadline for all submission is December 1.

The festival, which will be organised in mid-January, 2018, is set to feature various film-related panel discussions along with the film screenings. According to the organisers, the films will be awarded under categories such as Best Fiction, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Jury award, Encouragement Award, and Public Choice Award. Each of the awards comes with a cash prize.

There is a burgeoning interest in Indie movies among the film goers in Kathmandu and festivals such as this one and the recently-concluded Ekadeshma and the upcoming KIMFF are trying to become an alternate market for film enthusiasts of the Valley. “Nepali short films should be recognised in the country, before they tour international festival circuits. We hope that the Kathmandu short film fiesta will encourage professional filmmakers and aspiring ones alike; and we hope to add to the burgeoning documentary and short film circuit in the country,” said Shantipriya, the president of Chhaya Chhabi, issuing a press release.

Film festivals, according to Shantipriya, have become a way for young filmmakers to introduce their work to the audience and develop links with distributors, who can potentially market the film in national and international platforms.