‘Elephants in the Fog’ Triumphs at Cannes, Marking a Defining Moment for Nepali Cinema

Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepali cinema has reached a historic milestone as Elephants in the Fog, the feature debut of writer-director Abinash Bikram Shah, won the prestigious Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22.

This remarkable achievement marks the first time a Nepali film has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category, elevating Nepal’s presence within the global cinematic landscape. The win signals a growing recognition of the country’s evolving film language, artistic depth, and commitment to bold, socially relevant storytelling.

Further underscoring the film’s significance, the Government of Nepal has announced plans to honour the film and its creators with a state award, recognising their contribution to promoting Nepali cinema on the international stage and strengthening the nation’s cultural identity abroad.

Established in 1978, Un Certain Regard is widely regarded as the second-most prestigious section at Cannes after the main competition for the Palme d’Or. Known for showcasing innovative cinema and emerging voices, the section celebrates films that challenge conventional storytelling through distinctive narrative styles and visual expression.

Reacting to the win, co-producer Patrick Subedi described it as a “proud moment for Nepali cinema,” highlighting the film’s success as a breakthrough in placing Nepal firmly on the global film map. The recognition reflects the increasing resonance of Nepali stories within international art-house and festival circuits.

At its core, Elephants in the Fog offers a deeply human, character-driven narrative centred on a community of transgender women—part of Nepal’s legally recognised meti, or “third gender.” Through a sensitive and immersive cinematic approach, the film explores themes of identity, marginalisation, and social acceptance, giving voice to experiences often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

The film premiered at Cannes on May 20 to widespread acclaim, receiving a standing ovation lasting more than seven minutes—an emotional response that underscores its powerful storytelling and cinematic impact. Critics have praised its evocative visual composition, restrained yet compelling performances, and the director’s confident command of tone and atmosphere.

Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap lauded the film’s artistry, calling its final shot one of the most striking at this year’s festival. He also commended Shah’s seamless transition from writer to director, noting the film’s narrative maturity and the powerful performance delivered by actor Pushpa Thing Lama.

The success of Elephants in the Fog builds on the growing international recognition of Nepali cinema, following acclaimed films such as White Sun and Pooja, Sir by Deepak Rauniyar, and Kalo Pothi and Shambhala by Min Bahadur Bham. Together, these works have helped shape Nepal’s emerging identity within global art-house cinema.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section this year went to Everytime, a drama by Austrian filmmaker Sandra Wollner, while the Special Jury Prize was awarded to Iron Boy, a hand-painted animated feature by Louis Clichy.

More than just an award, the success of Elephants in the Fog represents a turning point. It reflects a broader shift in Nepali filmmaking—one that embraces artistic risk, amplifies marginalised voices, and engages meaningfully with global cinematic discourse. With state recognition now on the horizon, the film stands not only as a creative triumph but also as a symbol of Nepal’s rising cultural influence in world cinema.