Nepal’s “Elephants in the Fog” Wins Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at Cannes 2026

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, the Nepali feature “Elephants in the Fog” received the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize. The award marks the first time a Nepali film has been selected for, and won, a prize in this parallel competition, which showcases emerging directors and distinctive storytelling. The ceremony took place on May 20 2026 in the festival’s Debussy Théâtre.

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

Prior to 2026, no Nepali feature had entered the Un Certain Regard lineup. The win therefore signals a breakthrough for the nation’s film industry, which has been striving for international visibility. Industry observers note that the accolade highlights Nepal’s growing capacity to produce films that meet Cannes-level artistic standards and that it may encourage further investment in local talent.

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

The film is directed and written by Abinash Bikram Shah (some sources list the name as *Avinash* Bikram Shah). It stars Pushpa Thing Lama (as Pirati), Deepika Yadav, Jasmine Bishwakarma, Shanti Giri, Gauri Malla, Maotse Gurung, Sanjay Gupta Dura, Mahima Nawabag, and Akanksha Karki. Production is a co-venture between Nepali companies Underground Talkies Nepal and Jayanthi Creations, with international partners from France, Germany, Brazil, and Norway. The film’s editing was handled in Germany by Andrew Bird and Paris J. Ludwig.

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

The premiere elicited an over-eight-minute standing ovation, described by attendees as a “theatre full of applause” and a “deeply emotional moment.” The length of the ovation was reported as “more than 8 minutes” by distributor Patrick Subedi and as “over eight minutes” by local Nepali outlets. The response underscored the film’s immediate impact on an international audience.

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

• Minister of Information and Communication Dr Bikram Timilsina congratulated the team, emphasizing the achievement as evidence of Nepal’s “remarkable progress” in creativity and global competitiveness.

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

• Director Shah thanked the Cannes jury, noting that cinema can “pull margins into the light” and make “the invisible visible.”

The Hindu

• Distributor Subedi highlighted the audience’s respect and the emotional resonance of the ovation.

Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog steals the show at Cannes

• Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol praised the cast and co-production partners, calling the film a widening of the frame for Nepali cinema.

Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog steals the show at Cannes

No dissenting commentary or criticism was reported in the available sources.

The Hindu

• Director’s name: Sources alternate between *Abinash* and *Avinash* Bikram Shah.

Nepali Film 'Elephants in the Fog' Premieres at Cannes Film Festival 2026

• Standing-ovation duration: Reported as “over eight minutes,” “more than 8 minutes,” and “8-minute” in different outlets.

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

• Cast listings: Minor variations exist in the spelling of some actors’ surnames (e.g., “Nawabag” vs. “Navbag”). These inconsistencies are noted but do not alter the core facts.

Hollywood Reporter

• “For so long, the lives of Pirati and her daughters, the communities and all the persons, who are in the East, have been kept invisible. By bringing our story here and by recognising it with this award, we have pulled those margins into the light. We have made the invisible visible,” — Abinash Bikram Shah, Director

The Hindu

• “I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Government of Nepal on the selection and premiere of the Nepali film ‘Elephants in the Fog’ in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival,” — Dr Bikram Timilsina, Minister of Information and Communication

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

• “The audience stood and showed their respect for more than 8 minutes. The entire hall rang with applause. It was an unforgettable, deeply emotional moment. Elephants in the Fog is making history for Nepali cinema on the world stage at the Cannes Film Festival.” — Patrick Subedi, Film Distributor

Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog steals the show at Cannes

• “To the cast, to producers Underground Talkies and the international co-production partners across France, Germany, Brazil, and Norway, and above all to Avinash and his crew thank you for widening the frame of what Nepali cinema is and what it can become,” — Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City

'Elephants in the Fog’ astounds Cannes crowd

• “Then she said the most profound thing: ‘The society doesn’t know us as a whole, either they think we are these people with magical power to bless, or we are sex workers.” — Abinash Bikram Shah, Interview

The Hindu

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The Hindu

*All information is drawn exclusively from the supplied source material.*

The Hindu