Short Film Development Lab

Chalachitra Lab is a newly founded non-profit focused on dynamic creative community, and promoting films and emerging talent across South Asia. The short film lab initiative is being organised in collaboration with the prestigious Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF).

The initiative will support filmmakers in developing their style and entering the international film scene. Six selected projects will receive comprehensive mentorship, supporting their journey from development through to distribution.

The initiative will support completed films with international festival distribution strategies. Selected teams, each with a director and producer, will receive mentorship to refine scripts and prepare pitches.

• The workshop will be held from May 21 to 25 and is open to fiction short films (10–25 minutes) at the script stage.
• Applications closes on April 13, with only six projects to be selected from across Nepal.
• As part of the program, selected teams will participate in an industry pitch session during KIMFF, with opportunities to network and engage with industry professionals.
• On the final day of the festival, a jury will select the best project, along with other awards including production equipment and post-production support awards for filmmakers.