After receiving a Special Jury Mention for his short film ‘Lodi’ at France’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Nepal’s Abinash Vikram Shah has once again created history with his art. Abinash debuted at Cannes 2026 with his feature film ‘Elephants in the Fog’, which is dedicated to the complexities and struggles of Nepal’s transgender community.
This film by Abinash Vikram Shah not only marks a change in cinema but also reflects the importance of social inclusion and identity. The story of ‘Elephants in the Fog’ shows the reality of life of Nepal’s transgender community, whose voice is often suppressed in the society. The story of the everyday challenges of trans people, their dreams and the struggle between social constraints has been presented sensitively in the film.
Abinash said in an interview, “My dream is that we should not remain separated from those whom we call ‘they’, but should come together and become ‘us’. My film is for those who are strong and determined and struggling to create their own identity.”
The film has been highly appreciated at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was honored not only on the level of art but also for the social message. This success of Abinash is a matter of pride for Nepal and the South Asian region, especially at a time when there is a need for more awareness on transgender rights globally.
Experts believe that films like ‘Elephants in the Fog’, apart from bringing positive changes in the society, will also become a source of inspiration for the new generation. The bravery of Abinash Vikram Shah and his art have proved that cinema can not only be a medium of entertainment but also a tool of social commitment.
Through this film, Abinash has not only given a strong identity to Nepal’s transgender community on the international stage, but has also cemented their place in world cinema. In the coming days, the success of ‘Elephants in the Fog’ will definitely inspire more filmmakers to make films on social issues with courage and sensitivity.
