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Angila Tumbapo Subba, the lead actress of the movie Anjila and captain and goalkeeper of Nepal’s national women’s football team, was bid farewell by the film’s production team as she heads to Greece. Angila will play for Greece’s A Division club Nice Atromitos for the 2024/25 season.
During a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Angila’s contract was formally announced, and she was honored with a special farewell. The event was attended by notable figures, including Member of Parliament Suhang Nembang, Nepal’s first women’s football team captain Rama Singh, national men’s football team captain Kiran Chemjong, and Football Players’ Association president Bikram Lama.
At the event, it was also announced that Anjila will have its world premiere on December 8, 2024, in Hong Kong, with director Milan Chams and Angila Subba in attendance. Director Chams expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response as tickets for the Hong Kong premiere sold out within a week.
“This response shows the enthusiasm for the film. We believe Anjila will elevate Nepali cinema and sports to new heights,” Chams stated.
After the Hong Kong premiere, the film will premiere in Australia on January 18, 2025, in Japan by the end of January, in the UK on February 15, and in Korea on March 2. The movie will have a global release, including in Nepal, on March 12, 2025.
Speaking at the event, MP Suhang Nembang praised Angila’s journey, saying, “Angila’s struggle and success are inspiring for Nepali sports and cinema. This film highlights the importance and potential of Nepali women in sports. Director Milan Chams is like the ‘Messi’ of Nepali cinema, and this movie will play a significant role in promoting talented youth.”
Rama Singh, the first captain of the Nepali women’s football team, described Anjila as a historic effort. “This may be the first biopic based on the life of a Nepali female athlete. Angila’s story of struggle and success will inspire the development of sports tourism as well,” Singh remarked.
National men’s football team captain Kiran Chemjong called the film a historic achievement for Nepali football. “It’s a proud moment to have the first biopic on Nepali football. I hope the movie leaves a lasting, motivational impact,” he said.
Angila Subba, who plays herself in the film, expressed her happiness about the opportunity to play in Europe for the first time. Anjila is based on Angila’s life story, focusing on her struggles and achievements. Alongside her, the movie features performances by Sunil Thapa, Daya Hang Rai, Vijay Baral, Srijana Subba, Maotse Gurung, Manju Shrestha, and Buddhi Tamang.
Produced by Prem Kumar Shrestha, with co-producers Tubendra Limbu, Binod Agrawal, and Rajesh Bagadia, the movie’s cinematography is by Sudeep Baral, and editing by Milan Shrestha.
Director Milan Chams clarified that while Anjila revolves around Angila’s life, it is not a full biopic. Producer Shrestha added that the film’s earnings will be used to build a home for Angila in Kathmandu, which she plans to convert into a football academy to support young women aspiring to play football.
