Gauthali Earns Two World Film Festival in Cannes Nominations, Secures Beijing Lift-Off Selection
Nepali film Gauthali is continuing its international festival journey with two nominations at the World Film Festival in Cannes and an official selection for the Beijing Lift-Off Film Festival. Director Dr. Kapil Rijal shared the announcements on Facebook, thanking his team and audiences for supporting the film.
Gauthali has been nominated for Best Foreign Film and Best Narrative Feature Film in the World Film Festival in Cannes’ October 2026 monthly competition.
In the Best Foreign Film category, it appears alongside Cancer-Soul by Switzerland’s Tilo Wondollek and Mayookha by India’s Shree Tej SK. For Best Narrative Feature Film, Gauthali is nominated alongside Kala Pani by Pakistan’s Muhammad Kamran.
Celebrating the nominations, Rijal described the recognition as a proud moment for the entire team and Nepali cinema. He thanked the cast, crew, staff and everyone who worked behind the scenes, while acknowledging audiences for their encouragement.
“This achievement belongs to all of you!” he wrote.
The nominations follow another announcement from Rijal: Gauthali’s official selection for the Beijing Lift-Off Film Festival.
Sharing that news, the director said it was encouraging to see the film reach wider audiences and bring Nepali stories and culture to an international platform. He credited the people involved in making the film and thanked its supporters for their continued encouragement.
Beijing Lift-Off is part of the Lift-Off Global Network, which supports independent filmmakers through festival programmes, screenings and opportunities to connect with other film professionals. Its 2026 edition is scheduled for November.
These developments come after Rijal won Best Director (Man) for Gauthali in the Autumn Edition of France’s RED Movie Awards 2026. Together, the directing honour, two nominations and Beijing Lift-Off selection mark a series of international recognitions for the Nepali production.
Released in Nepal on July 17, 2026, Gauthali stars Arun Chhetri and Simran Khadka in the lead roles. Its supporting cast includes Madan Krishna Shrestha, Prakash Ghimire, Loonibha Tuladhar and Rabindra Jha.
The social drama follows a girl whose hopes of continuing her education are interrupted by an early marriage. Facing abuse, loss and discrimination, she turns to education as a way to rebuild her life and challenge the restrictions placed on her.
Through her journey, the film explores women’s rights, family expectations and unequal access to opportunities. Her determination to study gives the story its central struggle: a young woman’s effort to shape her own future.
Based on a story by Dr. Bhola Rijal, Gauthali is presented by Bhola Rijal Productions and Suman Giri Productions. Hari Humagain handled cinematography, while Milan Shrestha edited the film.
The World Film Festival in Cannes – Remember the Future runs monthly and annual competitions for international filmmakers. It operates independently of the Festival de Cannes, commonly known as the Cannes Film Festival.
With the Beijing Lift-Off selection now joining its recent festival nominations and directing award, Gauthali is taking its story of education, hardship and determination to further international platforms.
