Kathmandu — The Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) on Friday inaugurated “Russian Film Days” at the Russian House in Kamalpokhari, featuring the screening of the first film shot in space.

The opening ceremony was attended by Rinchen Soksayev, Chargé d’Affaires and Minister Counsellor of Russia to Nepal, and Devendra Kumar Kafle, Member Secretary of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts.

Soksayev underscored cinema’s role in shaping society and called for harmony among film professionals. He recalled meeting the team behind Nepal’s first color film Kumari during NIFF’s ninth edition. Kafle said the collaboration between NIFF and Russian Film Days was significant, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Russia diplomatic ties.

NIFF President KP Pathak expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen bilateral relations. Co-chair Anastasia Khakkhlova invited audiences to attend screenings and an AI film workshop at the Russian House.

The festival opened with August, a World War II thriller co-directed by Ilya Lebedev and Nikita Vysotsky, depicting Soviet counter-intelligence efforts against a potential rear attack on the Red Army.

Other films scheduled include The Challenge, directed by Klim Shipenko, the first feature shot in space; The Dino Family, an adventure film by Maksim Volkov; and All Wrong Girl, directed by Ivanova Aleksandra, which addresses bullying among students.