The film Elephants in the Fog has made history by becoming the first Nepali production to receive an award at the Cannes Film Festival. The prestigious Un Certain Regard Jury Prize was awarded during the 79th edition of the widely respected festival, which celebrates diverse cinematic expressions from around the globe.

Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, who took this project as his directorial debut, the film has already garnered attention for being the first Nepali title selected in the Un Certain Regard category. This segment operates parallel to the celebrated Palme d’Or competition, focusing on innovative storytelling and new cinematic perspectives.

Plot Overview and Themes

Set in Thori, a forest village located in the southern Terai region of Nepal, the film explores the lives of transgender women who navigate the complexities of society. The narrative follows Pirati, the leader of a Kinnar community, who dreams of leaving her current existence behind to forge a new life with the man she loves.

However, her aspirations are challenged when one of her daughters mysteriously goes missing. This unexpected turn of events forces Pirati to confront her responsibilities to her community against her desire for personal liberation, raising questions about duty and sacrifice within the narrative.

The film not only highlights the personal struggles of its characters but also brings attention to the broader societal issues faced by marginalized communities, thereby aiming to shed light on their often-invisible experiences.

Acceptance Speech and Acknowledgments

During the awards ceremony, Abinash Bikram Shah accepted the honour on stage, emphasising the film’s power to explore the hidden realities of lives that have long been overlooked. He articulated that cinema can bring to light “the shadows” that conceal such experiences.

Shah stated, “For so long, the lives of Pirati and her daughters, the communities, and all the persons who are in the East, have been kept invisible. By showcasing our story here and receiving this award, we have pulled those margins into the light. We have made the invisible visible.” He dedicated the esteemed recognition to his team, who accompanied him at the event.

The acknowledgment of this project represents not only a personal triumph for Shah but also a significant milestone for Nepali cinema, highlighting its potential on international platforms.

Cast and Production Details

Elephants in the Fog features a talented ensemble cast, including Pushpa Thing, Deepika Yadav, Jasmine Bishwakarma, Shanti Giri, Gauri Malla, Maotse Gurung, Sanjay Gupta Dura, Mahima Nawabag, and Akanksha Karki in important roles. Each cast member contributes to the film’s exploration of complex characters and societal issues.

The film is a co-production involving Nepali companies Underground Talkies Nepal and Jayanthi Creations, alongside international partners from France, Germany, Brazil, and Norway. This collaboration underscores the global interest in showcasing diverse narratives through cinema.

By winning this award, Elephants in the Fog not only paves the way for future Nepali filmmakers but also signifies the international film community’s growing recognition of underrepresented voices in the industry.

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