Arun Chhetri and Simran Khadka in a still from Gauthali, a Nepali social drama about early marriage, education and a young woman’s determination to shape her future.
Nepali film Gauthali has won Best Foreign Film in the World Film Festival in Cannes’ October 2026 competition, adding an international award to its successful theatrical run. For director Dr. Kapil Rijal, the recognition also carries a personal meaning: bringing his father’s creation to a new generation.
The festival’s official winners list names Gauthali, directed by Kapil Rijal and representing Nepal, as the winner in the category. The film had received nominations for both Best Foreign Film and Best Narrative Feature Film.
Celebrating the achievement on Social Media, Rijal reflected on the musical film Gauthali that his father, Dr. Bhola Rijal, created 25 years ago. He said his own aim was to preserve its emotions and legacy while presenting the story in a new way.
“Today, my heart is filled with pride, gratitude, and emotion,” he wrote.
Rijal described Gauthali as more than a film. For him, it represents a dream, a family connection and a shared love for Nepali cinema. Seeing his father’s creative work find meaning with another generation, he said, was an honour.
He dedicated the achievement to everyone involved in the production, thanking the cast, crew, audiences, journalists and supporters in Nepal and abroad.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Gaunthali team,” he wrote.
Gauthali, directed by Dr. Kapil Rijal, won Best Foreign Film in the World Film Festival in Cannes’ October 2026 competition.
Producer Suman Giri also credited audiences for helping the film reach this point. He said their love, trust and encouragement had turned a dream into an achievement, describing the award as a victory for Nepali cinema.
The recognition comes through the World Film Festival in Cannes – Remember the Future, which runs monthly and annual competitions for international filmmakers. It operates independently of the Festival de Cannes, commonly known as the Cannes Film Festival.
Monthly winners automatically enter the festival’s annual competition. Selected winning films may also be considered for its curated “Best of Future” screenings in Cannes.
The award adds to Gauthali’s recent festival achievements. Rijal previously won Best Director (Man) for the film in the Autumn Edition of France’s RED Movie Awards 2026.
Dr. Kapil Rijal, winner of Best Director (Man) for Gauthali at the Autumn Edition of France’s RED Movie Awards 2026.
He has also announced Gauthali’s official selection for the Beijing Lift-Off Film Festival, whose 2026 edition is scheduled for November. Sharing that news, he welcomed the opportunity to bring Nepali stories and culture to wider audiences.
At home, Gauthali has completed 100 days in cinemas following its July 17, 2026 release. The team has reported domestic box-office earnings of more than NPR 26 crore, equivalent to NPR 260 million.
Starring Arun Chhetri and Simran Khadka, the social drama follows a girl whose education is interrupted by early marriage. Facing hardship, abuse and discrimination, she fights to continue learning and regain control of her future.
Her struggle brings together questions of women’s rights, family expectations and the opportunities denied to girls. Education becomes central to her effort to rebuild her life (Watch Video Here).
The cast also includes Madan Krishna Shrestha, Prakash Ghimire, Loonibha Tuladhar, Rabindra Jha and Ishwari Baral.
Based on a story by Dr. Bhola Rijal, the film is presented by Bhola Rijal Productions and Suman Giri Productions. Suman Giri and Dr. Kapil Rijal are the producers, with Sarala Rijal as executive producer. Hari Humagain handled cinematography, while Milan Shrestha edited the film.
For Rijal, the latest award connects two generations of filmmaking. His father’s creation provided the starting point; the new film’s audiences and team have helped carry that story further.
