The Embassy of Israel in collaboration with International Sound Services Pvt. Ltd. organized the 13th Israeli Film Festival, the First Ever Drive-in film show in Nepal at Hotel Soaltee, Kathmandu. The Inaugural Ceremony was held on 25 November 2021 with a special screening of the film, 'A Fish Tale' directed by Emmanuelle Mayer that tells a story of an immigrant worker’s family in Israel.
Welcoming guests to the film festival, H.E. Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal said, “Culture is the spirit of our nations. It is right for Israel, Nepal or any other nation. We are so proud to share today this story on foreign workers and the challenges in Israel.”
The Honourable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Prem Bahadur Ale, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister said, “Art has universal language. If we want to learn about any nation’s culture and tradition, we should watch their films. As the minister of culture, tourism and civil aviation, I am responsible to preserve and promote Nepali culture. I believe this film festival will be a milestone, in sharing and promoting each other’s culture, language and values.” He further added, “I am very excited to experience the ‘drive in film’ concept. I would also like to invite the Israeli film producers and investors to come to Nepal and capture our nation’s amazing beauty in your films.”
Appreciating the Embassy’s continuous effort of holding the Israeli film festival for the 13th year, our Special Guest, Superstar Rajesh Hamal said, “Cinema has an ability to build cultural ties, a soft diplomacy of bringing people together. I hope that the Nepali population will not only enjoy the entertainment side of the movie but will also relate to the cultural aspects of Israel, the Human emotions of Israel.”
The senior government officials, heads of Diplomatic missions, Nepali film fraternity and other distinguished personalities attended the fest.
Drive-in film concept in itself is not new, but it is being introduced for the first time in Nepal. Following COVID-19 pandemic, the lives of people have been affected in many ways. Drive-in film shows allow a person wishing to enjoy films with family in their own safe capsule. The films will be opened for public on 26 and 27 November 2021. Anyone who loves film can enjoy this unique experience from his or her own vehicles. Entry for the film is free. However, to secure parking place at the Drive-in, the viewers are required to register via Hotel Soaltee website www.soaltee.com.
Film schedule:
Friday, 26 November 2021 Saturday, 27 November 2021
5 PM Golden Voices (82 min) 5 PM A Place in Heaven (105 min)
7 PM Laces (90 min) 7 PM The Unorthodox (90 min)
The Embassy strongly believes that such exchange of cultural activities help understand the culture and daily lives of Israelis by Nepali people thus, further strengthening our existing cordial relations and this time in the field of culture, as well.