'Happiness', starring child artist Asmita Hamal, is competing with the world's best short films at the 2026 Amadar International Short Film Festival.
What you should know
Nepali short film 'Happiness' has reached the finals of the International Film Festival held in Kolkata, India.
‘Happiness’ has been selected in the final round of the 2026 ‘Amadar International Short Film Festival’, competing with short films from around the world. According to the details released by Film Festival Junction, a jury comprising experienced filmmakers from seven countries around the world has included ‘Happiness’ in the final list.
The jury members include French director Patrice Gillen, Burkina Faso writer and director San Clemente Coulibaly, Lebanese producer Christina Ibrahim, Mexican actor-producer Ivan Carum, Brazilian director Ruiter Carvalho Duarte, Algerian critic Houria Hammadouche, and Moroccan producer Mohamed Gumane.
According to the film’s director Shailesh Hamal, the final results of the festival will be made public on February 19. The film was made in Mugu, Karnali.
‘It is a historic moment for us for the story of Karnali’s soil to come under the eyes of a world-class jury and reach the finals,’ he said.
Based on child psychology, 'Happiness' presents the message that happiness is not only found in great achievements of the future, but also in one's own creations and small experiences. Child artist Asmita Hamal plays the lead role in the film.
The film's cinematography and color coordination are done by Ubjan UK, while editing is done by Suman Kumar Shahi. Artist selection is done by Rajendra Shahi and sound coordination is done by Double Vishwakarma.
