KATHMANDU: The “2025 Inaugural Himalayan Rim Regional Film Exhibition” has commenced today at the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tribhuvan University.

The event, themed “Civilizational Mutual Learning, Technological Innovation” utilized a rich array of forms, including animated film screenings, craft workshops, cultural creative displays, and Cinematic dialogues, to bring an audiovisual feast where traditional Chinese culture seamlessly blends with modern technology to Nepal young students.

The event began with an enthusiastic opening featuring an AI-produced promotional short film, followed by the screening of ‘The Spirit of the Mountains’, an AIGC (AI-Generated Content) full-process animated short. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese intangible cultural heritage technique of “Quanxing Tuo” (full-form rubbing), the film showcased the unique synergy between artificial intelligence and traditional culture.

After the screening, the film’s Director Pang Jia connected via video link to demonstrate the AI scene-generation process in real-time, while Producer Junyan Huang engaged in an interactive session.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Head of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University Dr Kundan Aryal shared that the department itself is transitioning into digital media in recent times, and planning to start the course of film studies soon. He added that such exhibitions are important to bridge the gap between people of two countries.

On the occasion, Nepali film actor Pradeep Khadka shared that Nepal wants to have cooperation with the Chinese film industry. “Himalaya is an open studio, while we have stories and emotions. Nepali films can be exported as a digital product across the world.”

Another actor Buddhiman Tamang shared that Nepali film can take inspiration from the Chinese film industry. His statement was echoed by the film Director Pradeep Shahi who expressed that art does not have any boundary, and has a universal form. Stating that he is highly impressed by the Chinese animation and technology, he sought cooperation from the Chinese film industry.

The inaugural event was attended by film actors, directors, film critics, journalists and students.

In the afternoon, the animated film ‘The Legend of Hei 2’ continued to draw many students. Utilizing its unique dynamic storyboard pre-visualization technology, the film vividly told a heartwarming story of harmonious coexistence between humans and “demons”—the personifications of mountains, water, wood, stone, and animals—conveying the ecological concept of the unity of nature and humanity and the co-existence of all things, deeply immersing the audience.

The subsequent “Blind Box Interaction” session brought the atmosphere to a climax, with students eagerly participating in questions and activities to win limited-edition film merchandise.

This inaugural stop of the touring exhibition at Tribhuvan University was widely welcomed by the faculty and students.

Many students expressed that through the screenings and exchange sessions they not only appreciated the unique aesthetic style and exquisite production techniques of Chinese animation but were also full of anticipation for the prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of digital creation.

The exhibition, organized by 1905 Movie Network, plans to boost China-Nepal cultural exchange and build a solid “digital bridge” for the youths.

After Tribhuvan University, the exhibition will move to Kathmandu University and Lumbini Buddhist University. The exhibition will conclude on 21st December.