11th July,2024
Kathmandu – Although it wasn’t selected for the competition, the Nepali film Eklō is participating in various segments of the Cannes Film Festival 2025. For what is likely the first time, a Nepali film will set up its own stall at the Cannes Film Market, known as “Marché du Film,” to pitch the project to international distributors, sales agents, and producers.
The producers of Eklō Ritesh Rana, Sangita Shrestha, Bhairaja Thapa, Raju Gurung, and Utsav Bista will attend the market, which runs from May 13 to 21. Co-director Rishta Karki will represent the film as the head of marketing. The producers are investing significantly to secure a dedicated stall at the market.
The stall will feature Nepal’s national flag. Director Pradeep Shahi himself will participate in the Producers’ Network. He arrived in Paris on Sunday to prepare. “Through this year’s Cannes, we aim to connect Nepal and Eklō to the global stage,” said Shahi. According to him, even before the event started, seven international distributors expressed interest in the film — four from the U.S., two from Japan, and one from India, after reviewing the film details on the Cannes website.
At the Cannes Market, Eklō will promote itself among international distributors, sales agents, filmmakers, and OTT platforms. The producers will also use the opportunity to promote Nepal as a filming destination and explore potential co-production opportunities. Shahi and some cast members of Eklō are also preparing to walk the red carpet and attend the premiere of a selected film — though this plan is yet to be finalized.
Eklō is a science fiction film featuring actors Pradeep Khadka, Benisha Hamal, Vijay Lama, Sunil Thapa, Diya Pun, Dinesh DC, Suraj Singh Thakuri, Avon Raj Upreti, Kavita Nepali, Trichu Rai, and Krishna Bhakta Maharjan, among others.
The film’s producers include Raj Kumar Gurung, Hari Shrestha, Bishnu Tamang, Utsav Bista, Bhairaja Thapa, Naveen Siva, and Bagbir Pun, while the executive producer is Binod Subedi “Kshitiz.”
