Samten Bhutia

Rishi Raj Acharya is one of Nepal’s most respected film directors, known for blending social realism, cultural depth, and emotional storytelling in modern Nepali cinema. Born on September 14, 1978, in Tulsipur, Dang, he has shaped a distinct directorial identity by treating cinema not just as entertainment but as a medium of social awareness, cultural preservation, and personal expression.Acharya’s filmmaking journey is rooted in his academic background—he holds a Master’s degree in Sociology, which deeply influences his narrative style. His films often explore themes of migration, rural life, tradition, identity, and the changing social fabric of Nepal.He is also actively involved in the Nepali film community as a member of the Film Directors’ Guild of Nepal and the Film Artist Workers’ Organization of Nepal (FAWON).

Sahara Sharma is an independent Nepali filmmaker, writer, producer, and media entrepreneur recognized for her socially grounded narratives and youth‑focused storytelling. After completing her Master’s of Science in Communication from Bangalore University, she founded Gauthali Entertainment in Kathmandu, where she began shaping her voice as a director and media creator.Starting her career as a journalist with Nepal Republic Media, Sahara transitioned into filmmaking with several short films before directing her first television film, Chasing Rainbows (2013) — a bold exploration of sexuality, migration, and depression among Nepali youth. The film opened the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF 2013), won the Nepal Panorama Award, and later received the Critics’ Award at the Toronto Nepali Film Festival (2014).She has since produced and directed two television series — Gauthali ka Kathaharu (2017–18) and Maya Bhanne Cheez Estai Ho (2018–19) — and hosts Gauthali Talks (2020–), a roundtable show on cinema and media. Her new feature‑length project, Ek Mutthi Badal, marks her return to narrative filmmaking.

Khagendra Lamichhane is an actor, writer and director, and he has been successfully pursuing what he has been doing since 1999. He has acted in four acclaimed movies. He has directed five plays among which most of them have been staged in different national and international theatre festivals.

Gyanendra Bahadur Deuja is one of Nepal’s most influential film directors, screenwriters, and visual innovators, celebrated for introducing new cinematic techniques and for directing some of the most culturally significant films in Nepali cinema. Active since 1997, he is known for blending social issues, emotional storytelling, and technical experimentation in his films.Before entering cinema, Deuja served as a Deputy Director at Nepal Rastra Bank, balancing a parallel career in banking and filmmaking—an uncommon achievement in the industry. His artistic foundation began at Aarohan Theatre (now Gurukul), where he trained alongside respected Nepali actors and directors.His mentor, senior director Resh Raj Acharya, guided him through early work as chief assistant director in major tele-serials and films such as Sparsh, Dushman, Aama, Bandhan, and Tuhuro.