The Film Development Board (FDB) has officially declared this fiscal year as the “Year of Skill Enhancement,” launching a massive suite of 12 specialized workshops designed to overhaul the technical and creative capacity of the Nepali film industry. Board Chairman Dinesh DC emphasized that these programs were developed in direct consultation with various professional associations to ensure they meet the actual needs of the market. The goal is to move beyond mere “symbolic seminars” and create a pipeline of formally trained labor that can handle everything from high-stakes action sequences to complex digital post-production.
The Performer’s Toolkit: Confidence Beyond Dialogue
One of the most unique aspects of this initiative is its focus on physical and specialized skills for actors. Drawing from real-world challenges; such as the production of the film Muglan, where actors struggled to master horseback riding on set the Board has opened a dedicated Horseback Riding Workshop. Similarly, to ensure safety and confidence during action or water-based sequences, a Swimming and Water-Confidence Training has been launched. By preparing actors for these physical demands before they reach the set, the Board hopes to reduce production delays and improve the authenticity of Nepali action cinema.
Modernizing the Craft: Technical and Digital Mastery
Recognizing that sound and visual quality are often the “weak links” in Nepali productions, the FDB is placing heavy emphasis on the post-production workflow. This includes intensive workshops on Sound Mixing, Color Correction, and Spot Sync Sound. These sessions aim to move local studios away from amateur setups and toward international standards by teaching the nuances of location recording and advanced mastering.
Furthermore, the Board is embracing the future with a landmark AI Workshop and Conference. This session will explore how artificial intelligence can be used for audio-visual content creation while balancing the ethical and legal implications of the technology. To complement this, Drone Pilot Training for cinematographers is also on the slate, offering a week of practical instruction that concludes with formal certification; a crucial step in professionalizing the use of aerial shots in local films.
Journalism, Law, and Mental Well-being
The enhancement year isn’t limited to those behind the camera. Recognizing the role of the media in the film ecosystem, the Board has included a Photo and Video Journalism Workshop to improve the visual quality of event and premiere coverage.
Simultaneously, the “hidden” side of the industry is being addressed through orientation programs on Copyright and Cyber Security, as well as a critical session on Mental Health in the Film Industry. By acknowledging the psychological pressures of the creative world alongside the legal complexities of digital piracy, the FDB is attempting a holistic upgrade of the industry’s professional health.
The Road Ahead: Execution is Key
While the announcement of 12 simultaneous workshops is historic, the true success of this initiative depends on the quality of the trainers and the transparency of the selection process. For these workshops to be meaningful, they must offer follow-up projects and industry placement rather than just certificates. If executed with integrity, this move could mark the beginning of a truly “skilled” Nepali labor market, where technical excellence is no longer an accident, but a standard.
Note to Applicants: Interested candidates across all categories—performers, writers, technicians, and journalists are required to contact the Board and submit their applications within 10 days.
Join the Conversation!
Which of these 12 skills do you think is most “missing” from current Nepali films: Sound Quality, Script Writing, or Technical Acting (like horse riding)?
- Should AI be encouraged in Nepali filmmaking, or does it threaten local jobs?
- Would you like to see these workshops expanded to provinces outside of Kathmandu?
Drop your professional insights in the comments below! 👇
