Kathmandu- Nepal’s first animated feature film, Lost in Mandala, is set to reach international audiences, marking a major milestone for the country’s film and animation industry. Inspired by the Himalayan region’s spiritual traditions, mythology, and breathtaking natural landscapes, the fantasy-adventure film aims to introduce Nepal’s rich cultural heritage to viewers around the world.
Set against an authentic Nepali cultural backdrop, the film explores universal themes of friendship, compassion, courage, and self-discovery. According to the production team, Lost in Mandala blends traditional Nepali folklore and spiritual heritage with cutting-edge animation and world-class filmmaking techniques to create a story with global appeal.
The story follows a 12-year-old girl and her friends who find themselves transported into a mysterious world. As they confront dark forces and overcome a series of challenges, they discover the true power of love, friendship, and compassion while embarking on a life-changing adventure to save their world.
Designed to resonate with audiences of all ages and cultures, the film showcases Nepal’s mythology and cultural identity through high-quality animation and visual effects. The filmmakers believe the project will open new doors for Nepal’s creative industry and demonstrate the global potential of stories rooted in the country’s traditions.
Leading Nepali film distributor Apple Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. has secured the official distribution rights for Nepal and selected international markets. Through its extensive distribution network, the film will be released in cinemas across Nepal as well as in several overseas territories.
Executive Producer Nakim Uddin, Chairman of Apple Entertainment and Co-founder of QFX Cinemas, said bringing a story inspired by Nepal to international audiences is a proud achievement. He expressed confidence that Lost in Mandala will showcase Nepal’s creative talent and storytelling capabilities on the global stage.
Apple Entertainment Managing Director Bipashyana Shrestha described the opportunity to distribute the culturally rich animated film internationally as an exciting milestone. She said the company is committed to introducing Nepali stories to wider audiences through its growing distribution network.
The film is produced and directed by Kiran Bhakta Joshi, founder of Incessant Rain Studios and a former Hollywood visual effects supervisor. Joshi has previously contributed to acclaimed productions including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The screenplay is written by renowned Hollywood writer Zack Stentz, whose credits include Thor, X-Men: First Class, and Netflix’s Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous. The production brings together experienced creative and technical professionals from Nepal and Hollywood, reflecting a unique collaboration between local storytelling and international filmmaking expertise.
The makers believe Lost in Mandala represents a significant step forward for Nepal’s animation industry and has the potential to establish Nepali animated storytelling as a strong presence in the global entertainment market.
