NAIFF 2025 to Showcase 31 Global Films in Maryland This June

Maryland, USA: The Nepal America International Film Festival (NAIFF) is returning with its 2025 edition, bringing a rich tapestry of global cinema to the heart of Maryland from June 26 to June 29. Organized by the Nepal America Film Society, the festival will be held at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring and Greenbelt Cinema in Greenbelt.

Now in its annual tradition of cinematic celebration, NAIFF 2025 will screen 31 films from 15 countries, featuring an exciting mix of feature films, documentaries, and short films. The selections were handpicked by a committee of respected filmmakers and scholars from Nepal, the U.S., and South Africa, ensuring both artistic quality and cultural diversity.

This year’s opening night film is Shambhala, directed by Min Bahadur Bham, a 2024 Berlin Main Competition entry. The festival will close with Pooja, Sir, a 2024 Venice-premiered film directed by Deepak Rauniyar. Both screenings will be preceded by red carpet events with attending filmmakers and special guests.

Another standout is The World’s Happiest Man, a US-made Nepali film directed by Binod Paudel, which will be showcased in a red-carpet screening with cast and crew joining from both Nepal and the United States.

Beyond its core lineup, NAIFF 2025 will present several thematic and regional highlights. The Global Peace Film Festival sidebar will feature War Tails by Olha Byrledianu and Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals by Samuel George, both addressing global conflict and sustainability.

The DMV Close-Up section offers a platform for regional voices, including A Christmas Bonus by local filmmaker Chaka Balamani, alongside a selection of short films from across the DMV area.

The festival will also present the critically acclaimed documentaries Devi by Subina Shrestha and We Are Inside by Farah Kassem, both of which explore deeply personal and political narratives.

Festival Director Yubakar Rajkarnikar expressed his pride in the festival’s growing impact: “We’re proud to present films that reflect the richness of cultures and the strength of human stories — stories of struggle, resilience, and joy. NAIFF is more than a film event; it’s a space where cultures meet, voices are heard, and stories inspire us.”

Purna Singh Baraily, a lead organizer, shared his perspective: “NAIFF is a bridge between communities — showcasing not only the creativity of the Nepali diaspora but also connecting with global audiences. This year’s program is especially diverse, and we are honored to bring such powerful films to Maryland.”

NAIFF 2025 also includes industry-focused events, such as a roundtable discussion, a filmmaking master class, and other community engagements at the Brentwood Arts Exchange, supported by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The festival is also made possible by generous support from the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council and cultural partners.