Born in Karkibada, Nepal
Min Bahadur Bham
मिन बहादुर भम
Also known as Min Bahadur Shahi
Director of Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen) and Shambhala, the first Nepali films at the Venice Film Festival and Berlinale Competition
Currently President, Independent Film Society of Nepal
About
Min Bahadur Bham studied Nepali literature and filmmaking. He later earned master’s degrees in Buddhist philosophy and political science. He went on to become one of Nepali cinema’s most internationally recognised directors.
His short film Bansulli (2012) was the first Nepali work ever selected for the Venice Film Festival. He followed this with his debut feature, Kalo Pothi: The Black Hen (2015). This film won the Fedeora Award and became Nepal’s official Academy Award submission.
In 2024, his film Shambhala premiered in the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival. This was another first for Nepali cinema.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1984
- Birthplace
- Karkibada, Nepal
- Profession
- Film director, Producer, Screenwriter
- Current role
- President, Independent Film Society of Nepal
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
President
Independent Film Society of Nepal
Career & life timeline
- 1984
- 2012
His short film Bansulli became the first Nepali film selected for the Venice Film Festival
- 2015
Released his debut feature Kalo Pothi: The Black Hen, later selected as Nepal's Academy Award entry
- 2024
Premiered Shambhala in the main competition at the Berlinale, a first for a Nepali film
Achievements
First Nepali film at the Venice Film Festival
2012For his short film Bansulli
Fedeora Award, Venice Film Festival Critics' Week
2015For Kalo Pothi: The Black Hen
First Nepali film in the Berlinale Competition
2024For Shambhala
Organizations & affiliations
- Independent Film Society of Nepal
Last updated: 2026-09-06