KATHMANDU: Movie theatres across Nepal, which had remained closed following the recent youth-led “Gen Z” protests, will reopen starting today, the Nepal Film Association announced on Sunday.

A meeting of the umbrella body of cinema hall operators and film distributors decided to resume operations while prioritizing the safety of audiences and theatre premises.

Association President Narendra Maharjan stated that, except for the QFX cinema in Biratnagar—which was heavily damaged during vandalism and arson—all other halls will operate as usual.

“We are reopening with security as our top priority. As the situation gradually returns to normal, so too will our operations,” Maharjan said.

Evening shows will resume, but all halls are required to close by 10 p.m. Audiences can enjoy new Nepali films such as ‘Rimai’ and ‘Mohar,’ along with select international releases.

Taking advantage of the festive season, three new Nepali films are scheduled for release starting Phulpati, seventh day of the Dashain festival.

During the anti-corruption and anti-irregularities protests launched by Gen Z on September 8, multiple incidents of vandalism were reported.

On September 9, damage was reported at QFX Biratnagar, QFX Butwal, INI’s Lhotse Mall in Gongabu, and QFX Bhaktapur.