Culture, Mountains, and Technology: Himalayan Rim Film Exhibition

Kathmandu, 14 Dec (2025) : The assembly hall of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Tribhuvan University presented an unusual and vibrant scene this morning. Animated visuals playing on the screen, mountains and characters created through artificial intelligence, and guests, participants, and students watching with keen interest collectively marked the special inauguration of the Himalayan Rim Regional Film Exhibition–2025.

Organized by the Himalayan Rim Film Exhibition, this event has been held for the first time in Nepal as a regional cultural initiative. With the objective of using Chinese animation and digital creation as a medium for cross-border cultural dialogue, the exhibition visibly translated its theme—“Civilizational Mutual Learning, Technological Innovation”—into practice.

The opening session at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tribhuvan University, began with a technology-driven modern presentation. Following a promotional short film created using AI technology, a fully AI-generated animated short film titled The Spirit of the Mountains was screened. The film, which interwove mountains, nature, and human emotions, left the audience in profound silence.

Inspired by Quansheng Tuo—a full-scale rubbing art form listed under China’s intangible cultural heritage—the film reinterprets traditional cultural expressions in a new way by integrating them with AI technology. Participants expressed that the film clearly conveyed the message that technology and tradition are not opposites, but complementary forces.

The film’s director, Pang Jia, joined the program via video link and shared insights into the AI-based visual creation process. Producer Junyan Huang engaged directly with students in an interactive session. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students were evident during the question-and-answer segment. “This direct interaction helped us understand AI and animation more closely,” remarked one participating student.

Another major highlight of the program was the animated film The Legend of Hei–2. Using a “dynamic storyboard pre-visualization” technique, the film presents humans and elements such as mountains, water, forests, stones, and animals as symbolic characters, narrating a story of coexistence. Its strong environmental message, centered on harmony between humans and nature, left a deep impression on the student audience.

Following the film screenings, a “Blind Box” interactive activity further enlivened the atmosphere. Students participated enthusiastically in quizzes and won various items, transforming the program into an experience to be felt rather than merely watched. The event was attended by Tribhuvan University professor Kundan Aryal, actor Pradeep Khadka, actor Buddhi Tamang, among others, who noted that such cultural and technology-oriented programs broaden students’ perspectives.

The seven-day exhibition will be held for three days at Tribhuvan University, three days at Kathmandu University, and one day at Lumbini Buddhist University. Bringing together mountains, technology, and culture, the exhibition is expected to inspire Nepali students to think beyond borders and engage in creative innovation.

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