Kathmandu Set to Host Nepal’s First Horror, Fantasy & Folklore Film Festival This Halloween
Kathmandu – Film lovers with a taste for the eerie and extraordinary have something thrilling to look forward to this Halloween. Nepal is gearing up to host it’s first-ever horror, fantasy, and folklore-focused film festival, the “Kathmandu Horror Film Fest (KHFF)” from October 31 to November 2, 2025.
Organized by the Nepal Film & Cultural Academy (NFCA) as a sister event to the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), KHFF aims to elevate underrepresented genres in Nepal’s cinematic landscape. The festival will spotlight horror, fantasy, and folklore-themed films, encouraging both local and international filmmakers to explore these genres while fostering an engaged audience base in the country.
Three Days of Fear, Fantasy & Fun
KHFF 2025 will run for three days, featuring a mix of feature and short film screenings, opening and closing ceremonies, interactive post-screening Q\&A sessions, and immersive experiences including food, music, and more. The festival is envisioned as a vibrant celebration of imagination, creativity, and spine-chilling storytelling.
Inaugural Awards to Recognize Genre Excellence
The festival will also recognize outstanding films across several competitive categories:
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best South Asian Film (Feature & Short)
- Best Youth Film (Feature & Short, under 30 years)
These awards aim to highlight cinematic innovation, regional storytelling, and emerging talent in genre filmmaking.
Submission Guidelines & Eligibility
Submissions are now open through [FilmFreeway](https://www.filmfreeway.com/khff2025), and all films must meet the following criteria:
- Feature films must run over 60 minutes; short films must be under 30 minutes.
- Only films completed after January 1, 2021, and having at least Nepal Premiere status will be considered.
- All submissions must include English subtitles.
- Video formats accepted: MP4, MOV for previews; DCP required for final screening.
Deadline for submissions is October 12, 2025. Final selections will be announced on the same day. Selected films must deliver a full press kit, DCP format screener, and other official materials no later than October 20, 2025. KHFF reserves the right to reject incomplete submissions.
While the festival will not offer screening fees, it ensures live screenings across venues in Kathmandu Valley, promising valuable exposure to genre filmmakers.
A Bold New Chapter for Nepalese Cinema
KHFF marks a significant milestone for Nepal’s growing film culture. By introducing a dedicated platform for horror, fantasy, and folklore films, the NFCA hopes to stimulate creative exploration and cross-cultural exchange in genre cinema.
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, contact:
Nepal Film & Cultural Academy (NFCA)
Email: [info@niffnepal.org](mailto:info@niffnepal.org)
