Preparations Underway for the First-Ever Global Nepali Film Awards in Sydney
The 9th Global Nepali Film Awards (GNFA) will be held in Sydney, Australia, on 17 December 2026, marking the first time the prestigious event will take place outside the United States.
To formalise the event’s organisation, a partnership agreement has been signed between the Nepal Film Society, Global Nepali Film Award LLC, and Bhara Entertainment Australia.
The agreement was signed by Sanjay Khatiwada, Representative and Coordinator of Nepal Film Society and Global Nepali Film Award LLC, and Arun Shrestha, Founder of Bhara Entertainment Australia.
Speaking virtually during the signing ceremony, Krishna Malla, President of the Nepal Film Society, said hosting the awards outside the United States for the first time would mark a significant milestone in the event’s history and further strengthen the international presence of the Nepali film industry. He also acknowledged the efforts of all partners involved in bringing the event to Sydney.
Since its launch in 2018, the Global Nepali Film Awards has been held annually in the United States, recognising the achievements of Nepali actors, filmmakers, technicians, creative professionals and media contributors. Organisers believe the Sydney edition will help strengthen ties between Nepal’s film industry and Nepali communities around the world.
According to the organisers, Sydney was chosen because of its large and vibrant Nepali community and its active multicultural environment, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange between Nepal and Australia.
The organising partners expressed their appreciation to sponsors, media organisations, community supporters and Nepalis worldwide for their continued support, while inviting everyone to attend the awards ceremony in Sydney on 17 December 2026.
The signing ceremony was attended by several representatives from the Nepali community in Australia, including Dinesh Pokharel, Ushakiran Bariya Pokharel, Rupesh Bhattarai, Vijay Sapkota, Heman Lamichhane, Navaraj Timalsina, Sabala Basnet, Bishnu Hamal, Ranjit Shah, Mahendra Lamsal, Bhupal Sitaula, Hemant Kafle, Rakesh Joshi, and other community, cultural and media representatives.
Source: Information provided by organiser Arun Shrestha
and Rato Pati
