Arjun Tiwari

Narendra Mainali is a celebrated Nepali cinematographer known for his evocative visual storytelling and contributions to both mainstream and independent cinema. With a background in computer engineering, he transitioned into filmmaking through a deep passion for photography and motion pictures. Education & Training Mainali holds a Bachelor's degree in Motion Picture Photography from Oscar College of Film Studies, Tribhuvan University. He further honed his craft through international programs, including: Asian Film Academy (Busan International Film Festival, 2012) Berlinale Talents (Berlin Film Festival, 2013) VIEWFINDER: Masters in Cinematography (Erasmus+ program in Ireland, Hungary, and Estonia) He also studied at the Danish School of Media and Journalism and received mentorship from cinematic legends like Wong Kar Wai and Matthew Libatique (cinematographer of Black Swan). Career Highlights Mainali’s debut short film Bansulli (The Flute) was selected for the Venice International Film Festival, while The Contagious Apparitions of Dambarey Dendrite premiered at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival. His work spans over 18 films, including shorts and features, many of which have screened at prestigious festivals in Venice, Busan, Locarno, and Palm Springs.

Javed Shah is one of the foundational cinematographers of Nepali cinema’s classic era (1989–2004), known for shaping the visual language of action‑drama films through his signature gritty lighting, bold framing, and dynamic camera movement. His work spans more than 15 major feature films, making him one of the most respected technicians of his generation.

Baikuntha Man Maskey is honored as the first cinematographer of Nepali cinema, a pioneering figure who helped shape the visual foundation of early Nepali films. He earned a Diploma in Cinematography from the Film and Television Institute in Pune, India, in the 1960s, and began his career as the chief cinematographer for “Manko Baadh.” Maskey went on to shoot numerous films, including “Parivartan” and “Hijo Aaja Bholi,” along with extensive work in documentaries and television. He passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting technical and artistic legacy.

Bidur Pandey is a self-taught director of photography who has made critically acclaimed movies and more than 1,500 music videos. The prolific artist has done it all—commercials, documentaries and feature films; but his litmus test came in the form of Kagbeni, the first film in South Asia to be shot in digital camera. The movie went on to set benchmarks in the Nepali film industry.