Nepali film ‘Elephants in the Fog’ wins Jury Prize at Cannes

Nepali film ‘Elephants in the Fog’ has earned international acclaim, securing the Jury Prize in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Director Abinash Bikram Shah accepted the award during the closing ceremony, marking a significant achievement for Nepali cinema.

The ‘Un Certain Regard’ section is considered the festival's second most important category, making this award a notable recognition. While Sandra Wollner’s ‘Everytime’ took the main prize in the section, Nepal’s film secured the second major award, underscoring its artistic merit.

Director Shah expressed his gratitude, stating, “Cinema has the power to see even through darkness. For our story to reach this festival and receive such recognition means the invisible has been made visible.” The film delves into the lives of a family in a community plagued by elephant attacks, with a particular focus on the mother-daughter relationship. It also highlights the representation of queer and minority communities, with members from these groups featuring in the cast.

The celebration extended beyond the award ceremony, with the cast and crew engaging in dance and cheers on stage. Actor Pushpa Lama honored director Shah by draping the Nepali flag over him, a moment of national pride amidst the international event. Other awards in the same category included the Special Jury Prize for ‘Iron Boy’, Best Actor for ‘Kongo Boy’, and Best Actress for ‘Sempre So Tu Animal Materno’, with a total of 19 films competing in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section.

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Cinema has the power to see even through darkness. For our story to reach this festival and receive such recognition means the invisible has been made visible.