Nepali Film Makes History at Cannes with Un Certain Regard Jury Prize

Historic Win for Nepali Cinema

The Nepali film "Elephants in the Fog" has made a remarkable achievement by becoming the first film from Nepal to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival, securing the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize during its 79th edition.

This film marks the directorial debut of Abinash Bikram Shah, who also penned the screenplay. It is notable for being the first Nepali entry in the Un Certain Regard segment, which runs alongside the main competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or, showcasing innovative filmmakers and unique storytelling.

Set in Thori, a village nestled in the lush Terai plains of southern Nepal, "Elephants in the Fog" tells the poignant stories of transgender women who navigate life on the fringes of their society.

During his acceptance speech, Shah emphasized the illuminating power of cinema. He was joined on stage by the film's cast.

He expressed, "For too long, the narratives of Pirati and her daughters, along with their communities, have remained unseen. By sharing our story here and receiving this recognition, we have brought those hidden lives into the spotlight. We have made the invisible visible," dedicating the award to his dedicated team.

The cast of "Elephants in the Fog" includes Pushpa Thing, Deepika Yadav, Jasmine Bishwakarma, Shanti Giri, Gauri Malla, Maotse Gurung, Sanjay Gupta Dura, Mahima Nawabag, and Akanksha Karki.