As the lights dim at the historic Georgetown Palace Theater this September, audiences will be transported into a world where reality and imagination intertwine. PHRENIA, a 20-minute psychological drama by Nepali-origin actor and filmmaker Subash Thapa, is far more than a short film—it is an intimate exploration of the human mind, inviting viewers to confront struggles that often remain unspoken.

“Cinema should not just entertain—it should open doors to conversations we often avoid,” says Thapa, who directs and stars in the film. “This story is my way of reflecting on how the human mind can be both our strongest ally and our greatest battleground.”

At its heart, PHRENIA is a deeply personal work. The film delves into the fragile line between reality and imagination, creating a space that is both unsettling and revealing. Its mission is clear: spark dialogue about mental health awareness, a subject often left in the shadows.

For Subash, PHRENIA is a natural extension of a rich artistic journey. Before coming to the United States in 2015, he honed his craft in Nepali theater, studying at the pioneering Gurukul School of Theater under mentor like veteran artiist Sunil Pokharel. His breakthrough came with the acclaimed drama Court Martial in 2014, where his performance alongside Nepalese superstar Rajesh Hamal earned widespread admiration.

“Subash studied in Gurukul, and he was cast in Agniko Katha, a popular theater show in Nepal, and performed exceptionally well,” said Sunil Pokharel. “He has always delivered outstanding work in Nepal. Admiring his dedication to theater and film, I wish him success with the screening of PHRENIA and in his future journey in film and theater.”

On stage, Thapa’s credits span powerful productions such as Fire in the Monastery, Waiting for Godot, The Good Person of Szechwan, and The Cherry Orchard. On screen, he has captivated audiences in films like Kohi Mero, Vigilante 3D, Tathasthu, Ko Afno, and the beloved Birkhe Lai Chinchhas. His work continues internationally, with appearances at Austin’s FringeFest 2022, the series Knight Watchmen, and several music videos.

Today, Subash balances his artistic pursuits with family and business life. A devoted husband, proud father of two daughters, and a successful realtor and entrepreneur in Austin, Texas, he remains a fun-loving artist at heart—eagerly anticipating the PHRENIA screening on September 12, an evening that promises to unite his creative vision with his community spirit.

Following the screening, the evening will unfold beyond the screen, with a live Q&A session with the cast and crew, photo opportunities, and a community reception that transforms the theater into a hub of dialogue and reflection.

Narayan Puri, a well-known film director born in Nepal and now based in Austin, is the executive producer of PHRENIA. Puri says, “Subash is a talented artist with versatile skills in acting, writing, and directing. Working with him on a meaningful project like PHRENIA was a great experience and opened up avenues for future collaboration.”

Adding depth to the project is Thapa’s collaboration with Prashant Rasaili, a director celebrated for films such as Acharya, Katha, and Avinna. The fusion of Thapa’s theatrical depth with Rasaili’s cinematic sensitivity creates a film that resonates across cultures and generations.

Behind PHRENIA is Pegasus Entertainment, an Austin-based production house committed to independent filmmaking that celebrates cultural diversity. By developing projects that honor authentic voices, Pegasus continues to bridge borders and expand the landscape of independent cinema, ensuring that stories like PHRENIA reach audiences far and wide.