Nepali cinema makes history: ‘Elephants in the Fog’ selected for Cannes’ Un Certain Regard
KATHMANDU — In a historic milestone for the Nepali film industry, the feature film “Elephants in the Fog” (Tiniharu) has been officially selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, the selection marks the first time a Nepali feature film has competed in this elite category, which highlights original and aesthetically daring cinema from around the globe. Shah, who previously earned a Special Mention at Cannes in 2022 for his short film Lori, returns to the Croisette with a poignant narrative that bridges the gap between local cultural nuances and universal human struggles.
Produced by Anup Poudel under the banners of Underground Talkies Nepal and Jayanthi Creations, the film is an ambitious international co-production involving partners from France, Germany, Brazil, and Norway. Set against the backdrop of a forest-adjacent village in southern Nepal, the story follows Pirati, the matriarch of a community of transgender women (Kinnars). As the village faces the dual threats of recurring wild elephant attacks and social displacement, the film explores themes of survival, “chosen family,” and the search for identity. By casting actors from within the sexual and gender minority communities, the production has been widely praised for its commitment to authentic representation and social depth.
The selection is being hailed by critics and industry insiders as a “coming-of-age” moment for Nepali cinema, positioning the country’s storytellers as significant contributors to the international art-house scene. As the festival prepares to kick off this May, “Elephants in the Fog” will compete for several top honors within its category, including the Un Certain Regard Prize and the Jury Prize. For the Nepali film fraternity, this achievement is more than just a festival entry; it is a powerful validation of the industry’s growing technical craft and its ability to bring deeply local, marginalized voices to a global audience.
