Samten Bhutia

Ganesh Dev Pandey is a Nepali film director, writer, and screenwriter known for his socially rooted storytelling and his contribution to modern independent Nepali cinema. He made his directorial debut with Malati Ko Bhatti (2012), followed by the romantic drama Manjari (2013), both of which helped establish his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct narrative voice.He gained wider recognition with Gaja Baja (2018), Nepal’s first stoner‑comedy, which sparked national debate after the Film Development Board initially refused registration due to its title. Pandey challenged the decision in the Supreme Court and won after a two‑year legal battle, marking a landmark moment for freedom of expression in Nepali cinema.His later works include Julebi (2023), a multi‑narrative urban romance praised for its authentic portrayal of modern relationships. He has also written and produced Chini Kam Rang Kada (2020), further showcasing his versatility.

Anil Budha Magar is an award‑winning Nepali film director, writer, and independent filmmaker known for his powerful storytelling rooted in the socio‑cultural and political realities of Nepal’s remote regions. Born in Taksera, Eastern Rukum, he represents a new generation of filmmakers bringing authentic rural narratives to national and international audiences.Active since 2012, Magar began his career with the acclaimed short film Lomba (The Leadership), which won five awards and received nominations at seven international film festivals. His work is characterized by deep research, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to telling stories of marginalized communities.

Jharana Thapa (born 28 March, Pyuthan) is a leading Nepali actress, producer, and director whose career has shaped mainstream Nepali cinema for more than two decades. Beginning her journey with the film Daijo in 1996, she quickly rose to prominence through her expressive screen presence and her acclaimed performance in Dharam Sankat, which established her as one of the defining actresses of the late 1990s and 2000s. Over the years she became a central figure in commercial Nepali films, appearing in more than seventy titles and becoming known for emotionally grounded roles in films such as Muglan, Jeevan Sathi, Purnima, Takdir, and the original A Mero Hajur. Her long career in front of the camera naturally evolved into filmmaking, and she transitioned into direction with A Mero Hajur 2 in 2017, later continuing the franchise with its third and fourth installments while introducing her daughter, Suhana Thapa, as a new-generation lead. She further expanded her directorial identity with Ek Bhagavad Ra Ek Geeta (2023), blending social themes with emotional storytelling. Married to producer Sunil Kumar Thapa since 1998, she has also been active behind the scenes as a producer, contributing to several successful films. Today, Jharana Thapa stands as one of the few Nepali women to achieve long-term stardom as an actress and then successfully transition into a commercially influential director, maintaining her position as a respected and enduring figure in Nepali cinema.

Yadav Kharel (born 23 February 1943 in Kavrepalanchowk) is a veteran Nepali film director, writer, lyricist, and producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential creative figures in Nepali cinema. He was among the first Nepali filmmakers to earn a formal diploma in Film Direction and Production from the London Film School in 1971, establishing a new professional standard in the industry . Kharel began his career at Radio Nepal before transitioning into filmmaking, where he became known for directing genre‑defining works, including Nepal’s first major comedy‑satire, historical drama, historical biopic, and mythological film . He also served as the founding chairperson of the Film Development Board (2000–2002), shaping national film policy and institutional growth .