Bidur Pandey

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.

Krishna Bahadur Thapa is a seasoned Nepali cinematographer with more than a decade of professional experience across feature films, music videos, and commercial productions. He has worked his way up through the camera department as Assistant Cinematographer, Focus Puller, First Assistant Camera, Steadicam Operator, and Chief Assistant Cinematographer, eventually establishing himself as a full‑fledged Director of Photography.His cinematography credits include Parastree (2023), Pashupati Prasad 2 – Bhasme Don (2023), Prema (2023), and Hookah (2023), with upcoming work in Ke Ghar Ke Dera – Ghar No. 2 (2025).He has contributed to major Nepali films in key technical roles, including Aama (2020), Chiso Maanchhe (2022), Mantra (2022), Teen Jantu (2021), Ghamad Shere (2019), Ranveer (2019), Ma Yesto Geet Gaauchu (2017), A Mero Hajur 2 (2017), Saayad 2 (2017), Love You Baba (2014), and Jhola (2013).He is also a Treasurer at NEFTA (Nepal Film Technician Association) and has served as a jury member and judge in national award events, including the 6th National Inclusive Music Awards (2023).

Manju Kumar Shrestha is a Nepali cinematographer who played an important role in the early technical development of Nepal’s film industry. In 2029 B.S., he joined the Royal Nepal Film Corporation (then known as Shahi Nepali Chalchitra Sansthan).In 2030 B.S., he worked as a film photographer for the corporation’s first production, Man Ko Bandh. At that time, most technical experts in Nepali filmmaking—such as directors, cameramen, and lighting technicians—had to be brought from India due to the lack of local professionals.During the shooting of Man Ko Bandh, the Indian cinematographer fell ill, and Shrestha stepped in to operate the camera himself. Although he carried out much of the filming, he was credited only as an assistant cameraman when the film was released. This experience marked the beginning of his career as a cinematographer.He later went on to shoot many Nepali films, including Kumari, recognized as Nepal’s first color film, and Jeevan Rekha. Over the course of his career, Manju Kumar Shrestha has worked as a cinematographer on more than 70 films, making a significant contribution to the growth and technical progress of Nepali cinema.