Since the year 2000, the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (kimff) has brought an eclectic mix of films from around the world focusing on mountain communities and cultures to Nepali audiences. Kimff has screened hundreds of films and organized numerous discussions on the state of the mountains and their societies – issues ranging from the political determination of mountain communities, to the emergence of identity politics in adventure sports all the way to the effects of climate change on mountainous regions.

Since 2007, kimff has screened Nepali films both fiction and non-fiction creating a separate platform entitled, “Nepal Panorama” where aspiring and experienced filmmakers have brought us films that wrestle with the state of Nepal’s political and cultural landscape as only visual storytellers can. It has played a vital role in providing a forum where contemporary issues are raised and discussed through film, photography exhibits, master classes, story-telling workshops, pitch platforms and Travelling kimff.

As with most organisations there comes a time when changes are dictated by a variety of circumstances, whether they be audience driven, financial implications, social change or from an organisation perspective. This moment has come for kimff.

As we approach kimff’’s 21st edition in May 2024, we have re-launched KIMFF as a foundation and a private, not for profit sharing company. The kimff Foundation’s goal is to build the kimff brand and institutionalise this home-grown festival and its complementing activities by collaborating with the City, local government, private and public sector partners, like-minded individuals and organisations. The Foundation seeks to establish our annual flagship festival kimff as a landmark event while exploring and fulfilling other needs within Nepal’s film, education arts and culture sectors.

Kimff is the first mountain film festival in Asia, It is a member of the international alliance of mountain film (IAMF). Our collaborations with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Film Development Board of Nepal, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, UNESCO, European Union, British Council, Global Media Makers US, and private and public sector partners at home and abroad validate our commitment to cultivate an informed, dynamic and resilient Nepali society.

The new Foundation will be a collaborative effort driven by a Board consisting of experts who have a solid understanding of the sectors as outlined in our Objectives. It will build sustainability into kimff’s solid foundation, and further cement kimff’s 23 year-old legacy.

We invite you to join us in our mission to connect and create with filmmakers, artistes, and audiences across cultures and societies through films, programs, and platforms that engage, educate and effect change through the power of storytelling.