Nepali movies are getting noticed around the world. Some of them have won big awards in other countries. Here are 6 Nepali films that have won international awards.
Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen)
This film, which was directed by Min Bahadur Bham, took home the Best Film award at the 2015 Venice International Film Critics’ Week. It was Nepal’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards. The story revolves around childhood innocence during Nepal’s civil war.
Shambhala [Nepali Movies That Won Awards Internationally]
At the 2025 Nepal International Film Festival, Shambhala, which was also directed by Min Bahadur Bham, won the Gautam Buddha Award for Best International Narrative Feature. It was Nepal’s official Oscar submission. The film explores spiritual themes in the Himalayan region.
Dadyaa: The Woodpeckers of Rotha
This documentary by Pooja Gurung and Bibhusan Basnet won a Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Additionally, it took up the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival’s Best Cinematography award.The film shows the life of an old village in Nepal facing many changes. [Nepali Movies That Won Awards Internationally].
Sunakali
Directed by Bhojraj Bhat, Sunakali tells the story of a girls’ football team from Mugu who face many challenges but keep following their dreams. The documentary has won 16 international awards and was featured on FIFA TV for its inspiring message.
No Winter Holidays (Dhorpatan)
A film by Rajan Kathet and Sunir Pandey, this documentary was selected at many international festivals including Sheffield DocFest. It shows life in the remote Dhorpatan area.
Highway – Nepali Movies That Won Awards Internationally
Directed by Deepak Rauniyar, Highway was selected for the Berlin International Film Festival in 2012. The film uses a traffic jam to explore different social issues and characters.
These films show that people from all over the world can connect with Nepali stories. As more films are made, Nepali cinema will become even more popular. [Nepali Movies That Won Awards Internationally].
