Through the Mist: Elephants in the Fog Marks a Critical Moment for Nepali Cinema in Cannes 2026

News
The Buzz Nepal
May 22 , 2026

Nepal’s first-everCannesUn Certain Regard selection is earning emotional standing ovations, critical acclaim, and global attention.

Abinash Bikram Shah’s Elephants in the Fog is quietly becoming one of the most important cinematic breakthroughs Nepal has seen in recent years. Set within a Kinnar community living beside forests haunted by wild elephants, the film blendsemotionalstorytelling, social commentary, and haunting visuals into a deeply human experience. The story follows Pirati, the matriarch of the community, as she struggles between her dream of escape and her responsibility toward the people around her after one of the girls mysteriously disappears.

What makes the film stand out is its atmosphere. The fog-covered forests, isolated landscapes, and lingering silence create a world that feels both beautiful and suffocating. The elephants become more than just creatures in the background — theysymbolizelooming fear, memory, and forces larger than human control. Throughout the film, director Abinash Bikram Shah carefully balances tenderness and tension, creating a cinematic experience that feels poetic yet deeply grounded in reality.

The film has already carved its place in history as the first Nepali feature selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Since its premiere, Elephants in the Fog has received praise from international critics for its emotional depth, visual storytelling, and nuanced portrayal of marginalized identities.

What Critics Are Saying

“A film that does not ask to be watched so much as absorbed.”
— International Cinephile Society

“Sensitive, stirring, and emotionally engaging.”
— Screen Daily

“A mesmerising debut lights the way with love and defiance.”
— Outlook India

“A quiet explosion of brilliance.”
— Film Fest Report

Public & Audience Reactions

The emotional impact of the film appears to be resonating far beyond critics and festival juries.

At Cannes, reports described a standing ovation after the screening, with audiences even recreating the iconic three-clap rhythm associated with the Kinnar community as a sign of solidarity and respect. Online conversations surrounding the film have also continued to grow, with viewers praising its haunting visuals, emotional storytelling, and international-scale production quality.

Many audiences have described the trailer as “promising,” while others expressed excitement about finally seeing a Nepali film receiving this level of global recognition. Early Letterboxd reactions and festival discussions have highlighted the film’s immersive atmosphere and unforgettable performances, calling it one of the most significant Nepali films in recent memory.

A Defining Moment for Nepali Cinema

With Elephants in the Fog, Nepali cinema doesn’t just arrive at Cannes — it leaves a lasting impression. The film stands as a powerful reminder that stories rooted in local realities can resonate universally when told with honesty, sensitivity, and vision. As audiences across the world continue to discover the film, one thing feels certain: this is more than a festival success story — it is a defining moment for the future of Nepali filmmaking.