RK Pokharel

RK Pokharel is a filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur who pioneered the concept of film tourism in Nepal. He began his career working for nine years as an operations manager in high-altitude adventure tourism, coordinating logistics, manpower, and permits for Himalayan expeditions. This work introduced him to international filmmakers, inspiring him to study cinematography at the College of Film Studies, where he graduated in 2007. To bridge the gap between local and international production standards, he founded Icefall Production.

Throughout his career, Pokharel has collaborated with major global broadcasters including National Geographic, the BBC, Discovery, Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. As a producer and co-producer, his portfolio includes acclaimed films such as Aina Jhyal Ko Putali, Guras, and Red Suitcase, a rare Nepal-Sri Lanka co-production whose digital rights were acquired by HBO. His projects have garnered international recognition at prestigious film festivals like Venice, Berlin, Busan, and Karlovy Vary, earning honors such as the FIPRESCI award and a Special Jury Award. Additionally, his short film The Silent Echo was featured on HBO Europe and contended in the Oscar run, reflecting his dedication to bringing authentic regional stories to the global stage.