Sharmila Pandey Budhathoki has become a trailblazing figure in Nepali cinema, proving that passion, dedication, and a keen eye for storytelling can transform an industry. Since her debut in 2016 with "Love Love Love", a romantic drama that won audiences’ hearts, she has continued to push the boundaries of storytelling by producing diverse and impactful films. From the horror sensation "Ghar" to the socially conscious "Aama" and "Chiso Manchhe", the laugh-out-loud comedy "Changa Chait", and the intense thriller "Parastree", her films have achieved both critical acclaim and box office success.

A Record-Breaking Producer

Sharmila has made history as the only female producer in Nepal to have won three National Awards from the Government of Nepal—a testament to her dedication, vision, and contribution to the film industry. Her films, known for their strong narratives and technical excellence, have set a new standard for Nepali cinema. Through her success, she continues to inspire aspiring female filmmakers and producers to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Expanding Horizons and Seeking Growth

As a filmmaker, Sharmila is not one to settle for the status quo. With Nepali cinema rapidly evolving, she is determined to take it to new heights. To achieve this, she has been traveling to various countries, including the UK, USA, Malaysia, and Dubai, to explore locations for her upcoming projects and seek potential collaborations with domestic production companies.

Her vision is clear—Nepali films have the potential to compete on a global scale, but they require better resources, stronger production values, and a broader market reach. By partnering with local companies and producers, she aims to bring new techniques, advanced technology, and international expertise to Nepali filmmaking:

Q: You’ve been traveling to various countries. What is the main goal of these trips?

A: My travels are primarily focused on scouting locations for my upcoming projects and exploring how we can enhance Nepali filmmaking standards. Every country has unique landscapes, infrastructures, and resources, and I believe we can incorporate some of these elements into our own industry.

Q: How do you think international exposure will help Nepali cinema?

A: Nepal has incredible stories to tell but to make them more competitive globally, we need better production quality, efficient filmmaking techniques, and wider distribution channels. By learning from other film industries and collaborating with domestic companies, we can introduce innovations that will help Nepali films reach a broader audience.

Q: What kind of collaborations are you looking for?

A: I am particularly interested in working with Nepali producers and production houses that are ready to take bold steps in storytelling and technical execution. Instead of looking solely for international partnerships, I want to uplift the domestic industry by integrating global best practices while preserving the authenticity of Nepali cinema.

Q: Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline?

A: Yes! I am currently working on the sequel to Aama, my social drama that resonated deeply with audiences. The new film will continue to explore important societal issues but on a much larger scale. That’s why I am actively looking for the right locations to ensure this film reaches its full potential.