Announcement of Cinepa Studio elates filmmakers

KATHMANDU: The announcement of a new film studio, ‘Cinepa’, in Banepa of Kavre sparked enthusiasm among filmmakers.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli formally launched the studio amid a ceremony on Monday. Filmmaker has described the decision as a significant development in the Nepali film industry.

Veteran actor and director Nir Shah welcomed the decision, stating that it was long overdue.
Reflecting on his experience of traveling abroad for film shoots as early as the 1960s, Shah said a modern, well-equipped studio is a must to attract international filmmakers. “Though delayed, this initiative marks the beginning of a new era in the Nepali film industry. It will open doors to more ambitious and innovative projects,” Shah said.

Rajkumar Rai, former chairperson of the Nepal Film Development Board, expressed confidence that the studio will streamline production processes. “With the right technical support, we can achieve many things in filmmaking,” Rai said. “If completed on time, this facility will help us explore new genres and reap significant benefits,” he noted.

Actor and producer Deepak Raj Giri agreed with Rai. “It is a promising start. While we have fallen far behind compared to other countries, this shows we’re moving in the right direction,” he said. “Let’s hope for meaningful results.”

NFDB Chairperson Dinesh DC said the project fulfills one of three major goals he had set while assuming office – amending the Film Act, launching real-time box office tracking and establishing a world-class studio. “These developments will collectively elevate Nepali cinema to a new level,” he added.

The name ‘Cinepa’ blends ‘cinema’ with ‘Nepa:’—the Nepal Bhasa word for Nepal. Spread over approximately 42 ropanis, the Rs 370 million facility is expected to support all aspects of film production, from shooting to post-production.