Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has earned the esteemed title of a UNESCO Creative City and is now proudly part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, an esteemed association of 350 cities spanning over 100 countries. Within this latest addition of 55 cities to the network, Kathmandu has received accolades for its outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.
Nabin Manandhar, the spokesperson for the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), divulged that the city’s choice among seven designated creative areas was the film genre, a carefully selected niche from the creative categories offered to aspiring members of the network. Cities seeking membership were presented with a spectrum of creative genres to select from, including craft and folk art, music, film, literature, gastronomy, media art, and design. The KMC’s choice of the film genre was strategic, as it was recognized for its ability to effectively encompass various creative domains.
The creative city status bestowed upon Kathmandu is a testament to its rich historical and archaeological narratives intricately woven into the daily lives of its residents, the unique geographic features that define it, its vibrant settlements, and the abundance of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Notably, the city’s Jatra festivals, traditional clothing, and culinary heritage stand as vibrant embodiments of Kathmandu’s cultural essence.
With its newfound membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Kathmandu eagerly anticipates significant international support, the integration of culture into its development policies and plans, and the nurturing of its cultural and creative industries.
Among the 55 cities joining the network this year, 16 have garnered recognition for their contributions to music, six for design, seven for crafts and folk art, 10 for literature, seven for gastronomy, and four for media arts.
