Shardda Silwal

Thinley Lhamo (born circa 1997) is a Nepali-Tibetan actress best known for her powerful role as Pema in Shambhala (2024), Nepal’s Oscar entry and Berlinale selection. She previously starred in Naakaa (2017) and Hari (2018). Her performance in Shambhala earned her the Boccalino d’Oro Prize for Best Acting Performance at the 77th Locarno Film Festival. Lhamo’s journey began with the Nepal Tibet Opera Association, where she honed her stage presence. She trained under Anup Baral before landing the lead in Shambhala, a film shot in Dolpo’s rugged terrain

Samundra Bhatta is a Nepali filmmaker, director, and writer known for her bold storytelling and cultural depth. A graduate of Toronto Film School, she made her directorial debut with Aadha Page (2016), a romantic drama. Her breakthrough came with Gunyo Cholo: The Dress (2024), a powerful film exploring gender identity and social stigma, starring Najir Husen. The film was selected for the prestigious Photo Film Market in Seattle, USA, gaining international attention. Bhatta’s work blends traditional Nepali themes with contemporary narratives, reflecting her commitment to inclusive cinema. As a rising voice in South Asian film, she continues to challenge norms through visual storytelling.

Namrata KC is a celebrated Kathak dancer, choreographer, and theatre director from Sarlahi, Nepal. She is the founder of Aesthetic Dance Studio and co-director of Navya Naachghar, a center for experimental dance theatre in Kathmandu. Since 2006, she has been a passionate advocate for storytelling through movement, using Kathak as a medium to explore identity, emotion, and social narratives. Namrata holds a bachelor’s degree in Kathak from Padma Kanya Multiple Campus and a master’s from Lucknow University, India. Her productions—such as Swan Lake, Mokshada, and Rajendra Laxmi—blend classical technique with contemporary themes, often highlighting women’s stories. Through her teaching and performances, she fosters community, discipline, and cultural pride. Namrata’s work has helped elevate Kathak’s status in Nepal, making it a vibrant, living art form that resonates with modern audiences.

Ridhhi Charan Shrestha