Why Nepali Filmmakers Are Protesting ‘Anjila’ Oscar Selection

A major debate has erupted in Nepal’s film industry after Anjila, directed by Milan Chams, was officially selected as Nepal’s entry for the upcoming Oscars.

Soon after the announcement, several filmmakers took to social media, criticizing the Oscar selection committee for lack of transparency and fairness.

Strong Criticism from Directors

Samundra Bhatt, director of Gunyo Cholo: The Dress, harshly criticized the committee on Facebook. She questioned how a film’s media coordinator could also serve as a jury member.

Bhatt wrote, “How can decisions be made without even watching the films properly? Was it decided in the cinema hall or inside a room on a laptop? This is shameful.”

Although she acknowledged Anjila’s storyline, Bhatt insisted her film Gunyo Cholo was more suitable for international representation. She has even approached film associations for a fair review.

Deepak Rauniyar Questions Committee’s Intent

Acclaimed filmmaker Deepak Rauniyar, director of Rajaganj, also raised doubts. He revealed that neither he nor his production team were informed about the application process.

According to Rauniyar, the application opened on August 27 (11 Bhadra 2082 BS) with a deadline of September 5 (20 Bhadra 2082 BS) — only nine days. “This short notice and lack of communication suggest the committee didn’t want other films to apply,” he wrote on Facebook.

Calls for Committee Dissolution

Many in the Nepali film community are now demanding that the current Oscar committee be dissolved. They argue that transparency was missing this year, unlike in the past when filmmakers were informed via email, media, and social networks.

Former committee member and critic Samipyaraj Timilsina also admitted it was wrong not to inform filmmakers. “Nine days is far too short. This year’s selection has become controversial because of the committee’s insensitivity,” he said.

Conflict of Interest Allegations

Journalist Jivan Parajuli, who worked as Anjila’s media coordinator, is also a member of the Oscar selection committee. Many argue this is a clear conflict of interest.

Actor Nazir Hussain of Gunyo Cholo stated, “If the media coordinator of a selected film is also a jury member, questions of ethics naturally arise. We need proof that all six jury members actually watched the films in detail.”

Committee’s Defense

Committee chairperson Bimal Paudel defended the decision, saying only two films — Anjila and Gunyo Cholo — had applied. “Both films were strong, but in the end, Anjila narrowly scored higher. We made the decision fairly based on criteria,” Paudel explained.

However, filmmakers like Bhatt and Rauniyar remain unconvinced, accusing the committee of bias and negligence.

Key Takeaway

The controversy is less about Anjila itself and more about the process, transparency, and ethics of Nepal’s Oscar selection committee. With growing criticism, pressure is mounting for reforms in how Nepal nominates films for the Academy Awards.