JANAKPUR – The Janakpur International Film Festival kicked off on Friday, with Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh highlighting the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Speaking at the inauguration, Singh emphasized that cinema could play a pivotal role in boosting tourism and economic growth by showcasing Mithila’s unique art and culture to a global audience.

The three-day festival, organized by the Sambad Foundation, is being held at the Maithili Development Fund building in Janakpurdham, the capital of Madhesh Province. Singh encouraged parents to support and nurture their children’s artistic talents, expressing hope that the festival would inspire more regional artists.

Former Minister Juli Mahato praised Janakpurdham’s cultural significance and called for collective efforts to establish the city as a film production hub, stressing the importance of infrastructure development with government support.

Kaushal Kumar Yadav, Madhesh Province’s Minister for Labour and Transport, highlighted the role of cinema in taking Nepali films to international markets while promoting Nepal’s religious, cultural, and traditional identity.

Nepali Congress leader and Provincial Assembly Member Ram Saroj Yadav described cinema as a powerful tool for raising awareness on social issues. CPN-UML youth leader Dipendra Thakur echoed similar sentiments, stating that Janakpurdham’s historical importance could be effectively presented to global audiences through film.

Chairman of the Sambad Foundation, Kumar Bhaskar, said the festival aims to elevate the Nepali film industry internationally, explore market opportunities, and strengthen local film culture.

The festival, which will run for three days, features 78 films across 10 categories.