Videography and Photography Training Program

A one-month Videography and Photography Training Program has been launched with the support of the Film Development Board, organized by the Magar Filmmakers' Association, and managed by Nepal Pun Magar Society, Tallo Gagangaunda.

The program aims to enhance the skills and professional capacity of local film workers. The Film Development Board has declared the current year as “Film Workers Skill Development Year 2082,” and this training program has been organized as part of that initiative to strengthen the competence of local filmmakers.

 

The inauguration ceremony was held under the chief guest ship of the Deputy Speaker of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly. Addressing the program, Deputy Speaker Thapa Magar stated that cinema is a mirror of society's vital role in representing social realities, traditions, and culture. She encouraged the trainees to participate in the training with greater responsibility, dedication, and commitment toward the film sector.

The special guest, Khambabahadur Pun Magar, President of the Central Committee of Nepal Pun Magar Society, informed that extensive local-level preparations had been made to conduct the program, facilitated by Dev Chochangi Magar, Coordinator of the Society’s Information Department. He also emphasized the need to establish a Gandaki Province-level Film Development Board, stating that it would create more opportunities for filmmakers in the region.

Founding President of the Magar Filmmaker's Association and the first director of Magar–Gurung cinema, Yuvraj Maski Rana Magar, shed light on the history of Magar cinema. Founding General Secretary Mejan Pun Magar shared insights on the past and present state of Magar cinema. Former President Bhim Rana Magar highlighted the potential of becoming self-reliant through photography and videography and urged trainees to take the training seriously. President of the Gurung Film Association Rajbahadur Gurung recalled past discussions on waiving film registration fees for Indigenous community films at the Film Development Board. Harka Ale Magar, Co-Coordinator of the Cultural Department of the Nepal Magar Association Central Committee, also addressed the program.

 

The event witnessed the notable presence of Hem Bahadur Pun Memorial Foundation Chairperson, Vice President of the Federation of Indigenous Journalists MB Aastha, Linguistic Vice President of the Magar Writers Association Rudra Shree Magar, President of Nepal Magar Journalists Association Kaski Suraj Thapa Magar, Vice President of Indigenous Nationalities Film Federation Gandaki Province Santosh Pithakote Magar, President of Nepal Pun Magar Society Tallo Gagangaunda, and representatives from various organizations.

 

The program was chaired by Bishwas Ale Magar, President of the Magar Film Workers Association. Bhupendra Rikham Magar, Central Committee Member, delivered the welcome speech, while Vice President Dev Chochangi Magar explained the relevance of the program. The program was conducted by Treasurer Janu Magar.

 

The training commenced on Poush 2 and will run for one month at the hall of Nepal Pun Magar Society, Tallo Gagangaunda, with facilitation by Vice President Dev Chochangi Magar. Supported by the Film Development Board, the program is directly linked to the promotion of Indigenous and mother-tongue cinema. The Board has been encouraging filmmakers, languages, and culturally based films of Indigenous Nationalities.

 

Last year, in collaboration with the Film Development Board, 14 ethnic film organizations conducted training programs, workshops, and film-related activities, significantly contributing to local-level film production, technology, and skill development.

 

In this context, Dinesh DC, Chairperson of the Film Development Board, reiterated that the current year has been declared “Skill Enhancement Year.” He emphasized that the Board is prioritizing support and collaboration for programs aimed at enhancing the skills, capacity, and professionalism of local filmmakers, which is essential for building a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive film industry.

 

Recognizing Indigenous and mother-tongue films as a strong foundation of the Nepali film industry, the Film Development Board reaffirmed its continued support for such training programs. The month-long training, running from Poush 2, is expected to play a significant role in identifying local talent, developing technology-oriented skills, and preserving cultural diversity.