Communications Minister Kharel Meets Filmmakers, Directs Immediate Policy Action

Nepal Film Sector Reform

6th November 2025, Kathmandu

The Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has unequivocally expressed the government’s firm commitment to the overall prosperity and development of the nation’s film industry.

Nepal Film Sector Reform

During an interaction organized by the Film Development Board at the Ministry today (Karthik 20), Minister Kharel assured filmmakers that Nepal Film Sector Reform would be a high priority, promising substantive policy changes to benefit the entire industry.

The meeting brought together a wide array of top artists, directors, producers, and representatives from various film associations. Key figures including actors Kedar Ghimire, Deepak Raj Giri, Jitu Nepal, Pradeep Khadka, and veteran artists like Shiva Shrestha and Mohan Niroula were present to engage directly with the Minister and Ministry officials.

Emphasis on Quality Content and Social Impact

Minister Kharel stressed the foundational role of cinema in society. He urged filmmakers to develop storylines that actively guide the nation, society, and its people, emphasizing the need for content that generates new public debate.

“Cinema acts as a mirror to society,” he stated. “The content and scripts of films that seek to guide the country, society, and the public must be strong, message-oriented, high-quality, and resonate with the audience.”

He further highlighted the need for innovative experimentation in storytelling, timely adaptation, and audience-friendly themes. The Minister promised that during his tenure, no file pertaining to the welfare of the film industry would be delayed at the ministerial level.

Immediate Directives on Censorship and Regulation

In a swift move to address a major point of contention within the industry, Minister Kharel issued an immediate directive to the Film Development Board and relevant bodies: to appoint the “right man in the right place” at the Central Film Examination Committee (Censor Board).

This instruction aims to overhaul the controversial and often criticized censorship process by ensuring qualified leadership. Filmmakers at the event, including directors Pradip Bhattarai and Saroj Paudel, and actor Pradeep Khadka, consistently called for a more flexible and transparent censorship system.

Cinematographer Vishnu Kalpit also raised concerns about the overly complicated rules governing drone usage and foreign film shooting permissions, requesting urgent facilitation in these areas.

Addressing Industry Concerns and Infrastructure

The discussion actively covered several long-standing issues raised by the film community:

• Social Security and Grants: The Minister assured the gathering that the Ministry would hold discussions and facilitate matters concerning social security for artists, grants, and the complexities surrounding drone permits.
• Cinema Hall Expansion: Film Development Board Chairman Dinesh requested government incentives to encourage the construction of new cinema halls in districts and cities currently lacking them. Actor Mohan Niroula pointed out the alarming fact that Karnali Province only has one cinema hall, stressing the urgency of increasing accessibility.
• Policy and Welfare Funds: Key demands reiterated by the industry included the necessity for comprehensive amendments to the Film Act and Bills, government support for establishing a Film Welfare Fund, and construction of a National Studio. Senior musician Suresh Adhikari also called for the full implementation of the Copyright Act.

Communications Secretary Radhika Aryal acknowledged the filmmakers’ concerns regarding censorship, foreign filming, and drone permits.

She assured the attendees that the Ministry would actively work with inter-ministerial committees and related bodies to find practical solutions for these regulatory hurdles, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to the film sector’s sustainable development.

For more: Nepal Film Sector Reform