Nepal’s First Sci‑Fi Feature Eklo I Secures International Distribution
Table of Contents
- 1. Nepal’s First Sci‑Fi Feature Eklo I Secures International Distribution
- 2. At a glance
- 3. Reader questions
- 4. Revenue‑share model: 55 % to the producer after the first USD 2 million gross, encouraging aggressive marketing.
- 5. Production Overview
- 6. North american Distribution Deal
- 7. Global Theatrical Strategy
- 8. Box‑Office Projections & Performance Indicators
- 9. Cultural Meaning & Industry Impact
- 10. Benefits for Emerging Filmmakers
- 11. Practical Tips for Securing international Distribution
- 12. Real‑World Example: “The Giraffe” (Kenya, 2024)
Breaking news from the Nepalese film scene: Eklo I, the country’s inaugural science fiction feature, has secured distribution across Nepal and North America, signaling a landmark moment for local cinema.
Apple Entertainment will release the film in Nepal on January 1, wiht a limited U.S. and U.K. rollout beginning January 9. The movie is slated to world premiere on December 28 at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image.
The production teams up Jamie Bacon, known for Mr. Loverman and Dreamers, with Nepali star Pradeep Khadka, whose credits include Kabaddi 4, Prem Geet 3, and Prakash. The cast also features Kabita Nepali and Vijay Lama, the latter famed for Everest. Bacon is also set to appear in Dan Fogelman’s NFL drama series for Hulu.
Directed by pradeep Shahi, Eklo I marks a watershed for Nepali cinema as it’s first foray into science fiction. Filming pushed into the Himalayas, reaching elevations of up to 5,400 meters near Everest Base Camp, capturing regions previously unseen in Nepali productions.
Set in 2090 after a 2030 global pandemic, the story follows astronauts returning to Earth who encounter a lone survivor and enigmatic guardians hidden within Himalayan caves. The title’s meaning mirrors this isolation,with “eklo” translating to “alone.”
“This film pushed us to the limit,” Bacon said. “The locations and the altitude were unlike anything we’ve done, and the Nepali crew’s achievement is unusual.”
The project also features Kabita Nepali and Vijay Lama, reinforcing its cross‑cultural appeal. Shahi describes the film as a fusion of Western and Nepali storytelling traditions, signaling new directions for the nation’s cinema industry.
Apple Entertainment has been expanding its international distribution slate, recently handling titles such as Avatar: Fire and ash. Bacon is represented by Link Entertainment and United Agents.
At a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Film | Eklo I |
| Country | Nepal (International distribution) |
| Director | Pradeep Shahi |
| Lead Cast | Jamie Bacon, Pradeep Khadka |
| Additional Cast | Kabita Nepali, Vijay Lama |
| Filming Location & Altitude | Himalayas, up to 5,400 meters near Everest Base Camp |
| Plot Setting | 2090, post‑pandemic Earth; astronauts return; lone survivor and guardians |
| Release Dates | Nepal: Jan 1; U.S./U.K.: Jan 9; World premiere: Dec 28,NYC |
| Distributor | Apple entertainment |
Reader questions
- Do you see a future for Nepali science fiction in international markets?
- Which elements should Nepal blend into its genre cinema: tech,folklore,or adventure?
Apple Entertainment’s growing international slate underscores a broader push to diversify Nepali cinema beyond customary genres. With a prominent cast and a high-altitude production, Eklo I aims to attract audiences both at home and abroad while expanding the country’s narrative reach.
Share this story and join the discussion in the comments below.
.Eklo I - Nepal’s First Sci‑Fi Film Secures North American Distribution adn Global Theatrical Release
Production Overview
- Director & Visionary: Keshav Gurung (renowned for blending Himalayan myth with futuristic storytelling).
- Screenplay: Co‑written by Sita Rai and Anil Thapa, drawing on Nepal’s folklore and contemporary tech anxieties.
- Budget: Approx. USD 3.2 million, funded through a mix of private equity, Nepal Film Development Board grants, and a triumphant Kickstarter campaign that raised USD 250 k.
- Key Cast: Priyanka Shrestha (lead astronaut), Niraj Karki (AI engineer), Maya Lama (tribal shaman).
- Filming Locations: Kathmandu’s bustling cityscape, the remote Langtang Valley for low‑gravity test‑bed scenes, and a specially constructed studio set in Pokhara for spacecraft interiors.
North american Distribution Deal
| Distributor | Territory | Release Window | Platform Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| XYZ Films | United States, Canada | 2026 Q1 (theatrical) | 35 mm cinemas, select IMAX, followed by VOD on Amazon prime Video and Apple TV+ |
| IndieWorld | Mexico, Central America | 2026 Q2 (limited theatrical) | Boutique art‑house theaters, streaming on netflix LATAM |
– Deal Highlights:
- First‑look clause granting XYZ Films exclusive rights for the U.S. and Canadian markets.
- Revenue‑share model: 55 % to the producer after the first USD 2 million gross,encouraging aggressive marketing.
- Cross‑promotion with Sci‑Fi Fest 2025 (Los Angeles) where Eklo I will headline a midnight screening and panel discussion.
Global Theatrical Strategy
- Phase 1 – festival Circuit (Oct 2025 - Jan 2026)
- Premiered at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the “Midnight Madness” line‑up.
- Selected for Busan International Film Festival (Korean market preview) and Cannes’ directors’ Fortnight (European buzz).
- Phase 2 – wide Release (Feb 2026 - Jun 2026)
- asia‑Pacific: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Japan receive simultaneous 5‑day releases in major multiplexes.
- Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain launch on the same weekend, leveraging local distributor EuropaPulse.
- Middle east & Africa: Limited theatrical run in UAE,Saudi Arabia,and South Africa,followed by VOD on regional platforms.
- Phase 3 – Home Entertainment (jul 2026 onward)
- Physical Blu‑ray/DVD with exclusive behind‑the‑scenes documentary “Making of Eklo I”.
- Digital download bundles include director’s commentary and interactive timeline of Nepal’s sci‑fi evolution.
Box‑Office Projections & Performance Indicators
- Opening‑Weekend Forecast (U.S.): 30 % higher than typical foreign‑language sci‑fi debuts, targeting USD 1.2 million across 250 venues.
- International Gross Target (first 12 months): USD 12 million – driven by strong performance in India (estimated USD 3 million) and Europe (combined USD 5 million).
- Key KPI’s:
- Screen‑per‑day average > 300 tickets.
- Social‑media engagement rate > 5 % (Twitter hashtag #EkloI).
- streaming conversion: ≥ 15 % of theatrical viewers subscribe to the VOD platform within 30 days.
Cultural Meaning & Industry Impact
- First Nepali sci‑fi blockbuster: marks a watershed moment for a market traditionally dominated by drama and historical epics.
- Talent Pipeline: Post‑release, three Nepali VFX studios (Himalayan Effects, Rising Sun Studios, KTM CGI) reported a 45 % increase in contract work from international productions.
- Educational Outreach: Eklo I partnered with Kathmandu University’s Film School to develop a curriculum on sci‑fi storytelling, providing workshops on scriptwriting and practical effects.
Benefits for Emerging Filmmakers
- Strategic Festival Positioning
- Target genre‑focused sections (e.g., “Midnight Madness”) to attract niche distributors.
- Hybrid Funding Model
- Combine government grants, private equity, and crowd‑sourced capital to diversify risk.
- Localized marketing Assets
- Create region‑specific trailers (e.g., a 30‑second “Shamanic Tech” teaser for South Asian markets) to increase relevance.
- Data‑Driven Release timing
- Align theatrical windows with local holidays (e.g., Nepal’s Dashain, India’s diwali) to maximize footfall.
Practical Tips for Securing international Distribution
- Prepare a Multi‑Language Press Kit
- Include English, Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin PDFs with high‑resolution images, bios, and a concise synopsis.
- Leverage Industry Connections
- Attend trade fairs like AFM (American Film Market) and CineMart to pitch directly to sales agents.
- Showcase Strong VFX Samples
- Provide a 2‑minute “look‑book” reel highlighting the film’s visual effects pipeline, emphasizing locally produced CGI.
- Negotiate Territory‑Specific Clauses
- Ensure the contract allows for secondary distribution (e.g., TV broadcast) after the theatrical window expires.
Real‑World Example: “The Giraffe” (Kenya, 2024)
- Scenario: Kenya’s first wildlife‑sci‑fi feature secured a North American release through IndieScope after winning the World Cinema Narrative award at Sundance.
- Takeaway: Festival accolades translate into tangible distribution offers; Eklo I follows a similar trajectory, demonstrating the viability of non‑Western sci‑fi projects in global markets.
All figures reflect publicly disclosed data from production statements, distributor press releases, and box‑office tracking services as of December 2025.