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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

‘Nepali cinema needs new stories, not recycled formulas’

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Outcome reported
  • Actor Jiwan Jung Basnyat advocates for new storytelling in Nepali cinema, moving beyond recycled formulas.
  • He emphasizes the importance of proper casting processes, including auditions, over social media popularity for lead roles.
  • Basnyat also highlights the necessity of self-promotion through platforms like Instagram Reels for actors to gain visibility, even for trained professionals.

Nepali cinema needs fresh narratives, not predictable plots, according to actor Jiwan Jung Basnyat. Basnyat, who transitioned from a 12-year theater career to film, believes the industry should prioritize authentic storytelling over rehashing old formulas.

Basnyat stresses that producers must adopt rigorous casting methods, including auditions and screen tests, to find actors genuinely suited for roles. He criticizes the current trend of casting based on social media influence or personal connections, arguing that it sidelines trained actors with extensive stage experience. "It's frustrating watching someone get a lead role after just a random lip-sync trend clip on TikTok, while others with years of proper training and stage experience don't get a chance," he stated.

It's frustrating watching someone get a lead role after just a random lip-sync trend clip on TikTok, while others with years of proper training and stage experience don't get a chance.

— Jiwan Jung Basnyatcriticizing current casting practices in the Nepali film industry.

In today's digital age, Basnyat acknowledges the critical role of self-promotion for actors. He shared how posting his past projects as Instagram Reels led to film offers, especially during financially difficult times. "Personally, when things were financially tough with no work, no money to pay off debt, not even enough to eat, that's when I posted my first clip. It came from real pain, not from ‘selling sympathy’ as few people called it," he explained. However, he also noted the downside, where some individuals without acting backgrounds gain recognition solely through follower counts.

Basnyat also touched upon the impact of costumes and makeup in character development, emphasizing their importance when used correctly. While acknowledging their role, he now prioritizes understanding the emotional core of a character over solely focusing on external appearances, a shift from his earlier approach.

Personally, when things were financially tough with no work, no money to pay off debt, not even enough to eat, that's when I posted my first clip. It came from real pain, not from ‘selling sympathy’ as few people called it.

— Jiwan Jung Basnyatexplaining the motivation behind his initial self-promotion efforts on social media.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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