Sabina Kafle attends the Kathmandu Film Festival red carpet in a blue pantsuit. Photo Courtesy: Mahesh Pradhan
Sabina Kafle brought a bold splash of blue to the Kathmandu Film Festival red carpet, pairing a tailored pantsuit with flowing draped details and silver accessories. The wife of Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah attended the ceremony on Saturday, October 31, joining Nepali screen personalities and international film guests.
Held at Rastriya Sabha Griha, also known as City Hall, the red carpet was part of the inaugural Kathmandu Film Festival. Organised by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the three-day event ran from October 30 to November 1, 2026, with a programme connecting cinema, creativity and the capital’s cultural heritage.
Sabina Kafle’s Blue Red Carpet Look
Sabina chose a vivid blue ensemble featuring a structured blazer and matching trousers. Draped fabric across her shoulders and neckline softened the tailored look, giving the outfit a distinctive shape.
Long, sparkling earrings and a silver clutch complemented the blue without overwhelming it. She wore her hair loose in soft waves, with defined eye makeup and a deep rose lip completing the styling.
Her outfit creates a strong contrast against the red carpet. The image also captures her smiling as she makes her way through the event.
Sabina Kafle attends the Kathmandu Film Festival red carpet in a blue pantsuit. Photo Courtesy: Mahesh Pradhan
Nepali Stars and International Guests Attend
The ceremony brought together several generations of Nepali cinema. Veteran performers Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya attended alongside Karishma Manandhar, Deepak Raj Giri, Keki Adhikari, Sharmila Malla, Neer Shah and Basundhara Bhusal.
International guests included Indian actress Shabana Azmi, film curator and Shanghai Film Academy professor Marco Müller, Japanese director Takayuki Nakamura and Indian film programmer Deepti D’Cunha.
Their participation extended beyond red carpet appearances. The festival also provided space for conversations about filmmaking, cultural exchange and the role of festivals in supporting creative cities.
A Festival Connecting Cinema with Kathmandu’s Heritage
The festival opened in Basantapur on October 30 with a heritage walk and cultural performances. Traditional music and dance brought the opening celebrations into the city’s historic surroundings.
Across the three days, the programme included dozens of Nepali and international films, alongside discussions, masterclasses and activities for emerging filmmakers.
Screenings took place at Rastriya Sabha Griha and Jai Nepal Cinema. The Nepal Tourism Board hosted conversations and learning sessions, while the closing programme was scheduled at Taragaon Next Museum.
The film selection included restored Nepali classics such as Kumari and Ke Ghar Ke Dera, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit earlier chapters of the country’s cinema history.
Shabana Azmi also joined Nepali actress Swastima Khadka for a conversation during the festival. Other sessions examined film festivals, creative cities and the development of Nepal’s film industry.
Building on Kathmandu’s UNESCO Recognition
Kathmandu joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Film category in 2023. The designation recognises the city’s relationship with cinema and its commitment to developing the sector.
Kathmandu’s commitments within the network include supporting spaces for film creation, encouraging international collaboration and creating opportunities for local filmmakers.
The new festival forms part of that wider ambition to connect the city’s creative community with audiences and film professionals from abroad. Public screenings were offered free of charge, with digital tickets used to reserve seats.
Sabina’s appearance added a fashion moment to a programme rooted in film and culture. Her blue suit, draped styling and silver accessories offered a striking red carpet image from the festival’s debut edition.
WATCH VIDEO: Sabina Kafle’s Kathmandu Film Festival Red Carpet Look
