Maryland | NAIFF — The Nepal America International Film Festival, organized by Nepal America Film Society, has officially announced its Opening and Closing Night screenings for the 2026 edition of the festival, which will take place from June 25–28 in Maryland.
The festival will open with Shape of Momo directed by Tribeny Rai. The film stars internationally acclaimed actresses Gaumaya Gurung and Pashupati Rai, along with other talented cast members. The feature film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival 2025, where it won two awards.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release in India and Nepal on May 29 through Spirit Media, an independent film studio led by Rana Daggubati. Cannes-winning filmmaker Payal Kapadia, along with filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, have joined the film as executive producers.
Shape of Momo follows the main character, Bishnu, and her multi-generational family of women as they navigate patriarchy, identity, and freedom within a traditional community in Sikkim.
“We are excited to share the film with audiences in Maryland and the Washington, DC area,” said Tribeny Rai.
The festival will conclude with a screening of Shakti directed by Nani Sahra Walker, an Academy Award-winning executive producer, writer, director, and producer originally from Kathmandu and now based in Los Angeles. The film stars Laxmi Bardewa, Menuka Pradhan, Maotse Gurung, and others.
Shakti too has received awards and recognition at several international film festivals worldwide. Inspired by Nepal’s lack of laws that fail to protect Dalit women and girls from sexual violence, the film highlights issues of justice, gender, and social inequality. The film is set for digital release on Prime Video across the United States and the United Kingdom on May 22.
“We are incredibly honored and thrilled that Shakti has been selected as the Closing Film for NAIFF 2026,” Walker said. “We look forward to sharing the festival experience with audiences in the DC area and beyond.”
