By Usha Wagle Gautam


The Eighth edition of Nepal Film Technicians’ Association (Nefta) Film Awards will be attended by about 15,000 people, according to International Artists’ Forum (IAF) Qatar. IAF is taking care of the arrangements in Qatar, in co-ordination with Nefta in Nepal.
Community caught up with IAF president Bhabindra Tamang and discussed with him the preparations for the event.
 
Q. How is the preparation of NEFTA Film Awards 2015 going on?
A. The preparation for the awards is in its last phase. We have spread awareness of the event to all Nepalese living in Qatar and all Nepalese organisations here have promised to support us.
 
Q. What inspired you to host Nefta in Qatar? How was the preparation team formed?
 A. After the massive earthquake in Nepal in April, we Qatar-based Nepalese wanted to spread the message that Nepal is still suitable for tourism and thus decided to host this event here to increase Nepal’s visibility. We have formed 25 different committees to prepare for this mega event, and have received support from more than 50 Qatar-based Nepalese organisations.
 
Q. A Nepali event of such a large scale is being hosted in the Gulf for the first time. What support have you received from the community here?
A. We are receiving more support from the Nepalese community here than we expected. Many organisations have contacted us via phone calls, emails or social media to support us financially or to provide us with suggestions.
 
Q. How is IAF doing with its co-ordination of the event here?
A. We are dedicating much of our times and energy to the management of the event. Good management is our top priority. There will be 100 security guards, more than 50 police officers and 300 volunteers at the event. We have also formed an additional management committee for the Nepalese artistes. We hope to complete all preparations well in time for the show.
 
Q. When and where the show will be organised? What about the tickets? What is the role of Nefta in this event?
A. The event will be held on the first day of Eid al-Adha at Asian Tower, backstage of Grand Mall in Sanaiya 37. We are expecting 15,000 people to attend. Tickets are priced at QR35, QR50, QR70, QR100, and QR200. The programme will be presented by Nefta, with Nepalese and Qatar-based Nepalese artistes performing.
 
Q. How many artistes are coming from Nepal? Is the Nepalese government assisting with anything?
A. Sixty film artistes and a team of 20 technicians is coming from Nepal. Senior members of Nepali film fraternity including actors Neer Shah and Rajesh Hamal, actress Basundhara Bhusal, chairman of Nepal Film Development Board Raj Kumar Rai, playback singer Rajesh Payal Rai are coming.  
Also coming are actors Aryan Sigdel, Jeevan Luitel, Dayahang Rai and Saugat Malla, and actresses Priyanka Karki, Nandita K C, Keki Adhikari and Namrata Shrestha. The Ministry of Information and Communication, Nepal Film Development Board, Tourism Board, and Nepalese Embassy in Qatar have pledged their full support for this event.
 
Q. Are you expecting to receive any support from the Qatari government?
A. We have already received permission from the Qatari government for the programme and have informed the General Security Department about the event. We expect to complete all formalities soon.