Nepal’s “Elephants in the Fog” Makes Historic Debut at Cannes Film Festival as First Nepali Film in Un Certain Regard

May 18, 2026 — The 79th Cannes Film Festival has spotlighted a groundbreaking narrative with the world premiere of Elephants in the Fog, the first Nepali film ever selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, the film centers on the Kinnar community—Nepal’s ancient third-gender group—offering a rare, intimate portrayal of resilience, love, and cultural invisibility in the face of societal hostility.

A Story Born from Digital Resilience

The film’s genesis traces back to Shah’s discovery of Kinnar TikTok videos during Nepal’s pandemic lockdowns. Despite facing relentless online harassment, the community’s unshaken joy in their performances captivated him.

“That really struck me. I didn’t know what made them keep on going, making these videos, even though people had such hate remarks and lousy comments.”

This contradiction—public hostility versus private strength—became the emotional core of Elephants in the Fog, which premieres in Un Certain Regard, a section dedicated to bold, original cinema. The selection marks a historic milestone for Nepali filmmaking, following Shah’s previous Cannes recognition in 2022 with his short Lori, which earned a Special Mention.

From Margins to the Mainstream: The Kinnar Community’s Fight for Visibility

Set in the Terai plains of southern Nepal—far from the Himalayan imagery that dominates global perceptions of the country—the film follows Pirati, a matriarch of a Kinnar household bound by celibacy vows. Her love for the village drum master clashes with her community’s traditions, while wild elephants’ nightly raids on crops mirror the broader societal tensions the Kinnars face. When Pirati’s daughter disappears and local authorities ignore the crisis, she is left to confront her grief and the limits of her power alone.

Shah, who identifies as a writer first, emphasizes the film’s humanizing intent over political messaging. “Most importantly, I have to show them as human beings like anyone of us in the world,” he stated in interviews. The project’s authenticity stems from years of engagement with Kinnar communities, culminating in the casting of Puspa Thing Lama, a veteran LGBTQIA+ rights advocate with no prior acting experience.

Lama’s performance was honed through an unconventional process: Shah rejected traditional acting techniques, instead fostering trust to allow her to channel her lived experiences. “She is so charming. When she is joyful, she is so joyful. When she is silent, her presence in the silence works so well,” Shah described.

Artistic Collaboration and Cultural Nuance

The film’s production reflects a deliberate blend of Nepali traditions and modern storytelling. Cinematographer Noé Bach drew inspiration from Nan Goldin’s raw, documentary-like photography, while composer Frédéric Alvarez wove traditional Nepali sounds with dissonant modern elements to mirror Pirati’s internal conflict. Two editors, Andrew Bird and Paris J. Ludwig (a trans woman whose perspective Shah deemed essential), shaped the narrative’s emotional arc.

A recurring motif in the film is the metaphor of blind men describing an elephant—a parable used by Kinnar women Shah interviewed to illustrate how outsiders perceive their community in fragments. The elephants themselves, both literal and symbolic, represent the boundaries society imposes. Villagers use firecrackers, electric fences, and even painted tree eyes to ward them off, reflecting the Kinnars’ struggle to be seen on their own terms.

A Political Act Through Human Storytelling

Shah rejects framing Elephants in the Fog as a political statement, though its themes resonate deeply in today’s global climate. “To tell a story about the Kinnar community in a society that often prefers they remain invisible is, by its nature, a political act,” he acknowledged. “But I didn’t want Pirati to be a ‘political symbol.’ I wanted her to be a woman who is tired, who is in love, and who is searching for a home.”

The film’s international co-production—spanning Nepal, Germany, Brazil, France, and Norway—underscores its global relevance. Produced by Underground Talkies Nepal, Les Valseurs, and Die Gesellschaft DGS, with sales handled by Best Friend Forever, it arrives as gender non-conforming communities face heightened political targeting worldwide.

Key Takeaways: Why This Film Matters

• Historic Selection: Elephants in the Fog is the first Nepali film in Un Certain Regard, cementing Nepal’s growing presence in international cinema.
• Authentic Representation: Shah’s years of engagement with the Kinnar community ensured the film’s portrayal avoids stereotypes, focusing on humanity over activism.
• Artistic Innovation: The collaboration between Nepali traditions and modern techniques creates a visually and emotionally distinct experience.
• Global Relevance: As LGBTQIA+ rights face backlash worldwide, the film’s themes of visibility and resilience take on urgent significance.

FAQ: Elephants in the Fog at Cannes

What is the Kinnar community?

The Kinnar are Nepal’s third-gender community, recognized in Hindu traditions but often marginalized in modern society. They adhere to celibacy vows and face systemic discrimination, despite their historical cultural significance.

How does the film address political themes without being overtly political?

Shah prioritizes humanizing narratives over direct activism. By portraying Pirati’s personal struggles—love, grief, and survival—he allows the film’s political weight to emerge organically from her experiences.

Who is Abinash Bikram Shah?

A Nepali filmmaker and writer, Shah previously directed Shambhala (Berlin 2024) and The Black Hen (Venice Critics Week 2024). His short Lori earned a Cannes Special Mention in 2022, making him the first Nepali filmmaker in the festival’s official selection.

When and where can I watch it?

Elephants in the Fog premiered in Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival (May 13–24, 2025). French distribution will be handled by Les Valseurs Distribution and Arizona Distribution, with international sales via Best Friend Forever. Release dates for other regions are pending.

A Glimpse of Nepal’s Cinematic Future

With Elephants in the Fog, Nepal’s film industry has not only broken into Cannes’ most competitive sections but also redefined how marginalized stories are told. By centering the Kinnar community’s voice, Shah has crafted a film that is both a cultural artifact and a call to see humanity in its full complexity—even when society tries to keep it in the fog.