Cannes 2026: All About History-Making Nepali Film Elephants In The Fog After Un Certain Regard Jury Prize

Elephants

In The Fog has created history as the first-ever Nepali film to receive an honour at Cannes 2026. The film won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and grabbed attention. Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, the film stood out in the globally celebrated section known for recognising bold storytelling and emerging cinematic voices. Elephants In The Fog explores themes of identity, love, community and survival, and its socially layered narrative and compelling setting have garnered international acclaim, cementing Nepali cinema on the global map. As the film made history, from plot to cast, know everything about it.

Elephants In The Fog plot

Elephants In The Fog is set against the forests of rural Nepal. It follows Pirati, the respected matriarch of a marginalised Kinnar community struggling to survive amid frequent wild elephant attacks and social prejudice.Juggling between her dreams of running away to India with the man she loves and her responsibilities to her family, Pirati's life is thrown into disarray when her adopted daughter Apsara mysteriously disappears. Her search uncovers the psychological cracks, fear, and helplessness hidden deep within the isolated settlement. Using the threat of elephants as a haunting metaphor for violence, exclusion and survival, director Abinash Bikram Shah crafts a deeply human story about identity, motherhood and the longing for freedom.

Elephants In The Fog cast

Speaking about the cast, Pushpa Thing Lama delivers a deeply restrained performance as Pirati, portraying the quiet resilience and emotional burden of a community leader caught between personal longing and responsibility. As Apsara, Aliz Ghimire brings restless energy and vulnerability to the rebellious young woman whose disappearance drives the narrative forward. Apart from them, Umesha Pandey drags attention as the authoritative Guru Mata, a figure who intensifies Pirati’s inner conflict with her expectations and influence. Meanwhile, supporting actors Sahab Din Miya and Jasmin Bishwokarma add emotional depth to the film, portraying the warmth, solidarity and survival instincts shared within the marginalized Kinnar community.Written and directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, Elephants In The Fog is backed by Nepali production houses Underground Talkies Nepal and Jayanthi Creations. The film is an international co-production involving collaborators from France, Germany, Brazil and Norway. It is produced by Anup Paudel and Prachanda Man Shrestha. Reportedly, Elephant In The Fog marks Abinash Bikram Shah's directorial debut in feature films.

Elephants In The Fog success party

Following its historic Cannes selection, the team of Elephants In The Fog hosted a success party attended by several artists and well-wishers, including acclaimed Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala. Sharing moments from the evening on Instagram, Koirala congratulated the filmmakers and praised the emerging Nepali artists behind the project.