JANAKPUR:- The Second Janakpur International Film Festival began on Friday in Janakpur, aiming to showcase Nepali cinema and explore opportunities for its internationalisation.

Organised by Sambad Foundation, the festival will run until February 23, screening a total of 60 films in Maithili, Nepali, and other foreign languages. In addition, panel discussions on various aspects of filmmaking are being held at Maithili Bhawan, the festival venue, according to Festival Chair Kumar Bhaskar.

“Janakpur represents the Mithilanchal region, and this festival highlights its culture. We aim to promote our civilisation globally and integrate the Maithili language into Nepali films,” Bhaskar said.

During the opening session, Professor Amar Prasad Yadav, Vice Chancellor of Rajarshi Janak University, noted that the festival would serve as a guide for those exploring filmmaking as a career. The session featured the screening of the film ‘Shakti’ by Nani Sahra Walker.