KATHMANDU: The First South Asian Interactive Documentary Festival 2008 is being held at Hotel Yak and Yeti. The festival, organised by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), was inaugurated on December 27. Minster for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara lit the lamp as a sign of representation of Nepal at the festival along with participants from each of the eight countries joining in.

War and Peace a very intriguing and strong documentary about nuclear tests in India and Pakistan, the supporters and protestors and how from politics to school children to the masses was affected by it, was screened. It was followed by A Documentary on Nepal.

Film makers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and

Sri Lanka have been screening their documentaries related to issues such as conflict, peace, people and culture. A total of around 24 documentaries will be screened during the fest.

Besides the screening, the interesting aspect of the festival is the interactive sessions that are also being held. The first session was held on December 28 in which film makers gave an insight on film-making in their countries, the problems that persist such as not having well trained and qualified personnel in this field to lack of funds, and even those that are funded mostly being propagandas of the funding agencies, how limitations prevail and censorships are required. Along with it prospects that lie ahead for film-makers were also discussed.

Screening of the top three reward-earning films of the festival will be held on December 30 from 2:00 to 4.30 pm .