History

During the party less Monarchial period in Nepal, state used film as a medium to establish mono culture and mono language i.e. Hindu Pahadiya (hill) Nepali culture and Khas-Nepali language. This is one of the reasons that there have not been any films portraiting the real picture of oppressed. Instead, indigenous peoples, Mongolian, Dravid, Madheshis and Dalits were always portrait in negative character and were not given lead role. During the 30 years of Monarchial, people were brain-washed and state was able to establish that this country is mono-lingual and mono-cultural marginalizing culture of indigenous nationalities and other religious and linguistic minorities. People from these communities not only excluded but also got the feelings of humiliation. Instead of strengthening the national integrity and unity, mono-lingual and mono-cultural policy decreases the feeling of nationalism among those excluded groups.

Monarchial administration emphasized on the escapist entertainment because they did not want ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural minorities to be aware about their rights. Entertaining and stereotyped films were always emphasized during the autocratic regime. Those films also didn't ask for change and couldn't act as change agent. However, film has a lot to give to society. It can act as a catalyst in the society. New filmmakers in Nepal need to learn to play a role in restructuring of mono-cultured society and psychology. Indigenous Film Archive is formed with the goal of changing role of filmmaker's attitude and perspective on film through awareness raising programs, trainings and seminars.