Nepali film Elephants in the Fog has been confirmed as Nepal’s official entry for the 2027 Oscars, following its Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize win and a selection process by the International Feature Film Selection Committee. Directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, the film was chosen over Dr. Kapil Rijal’s “Gauthali” after evaluations of its technical and artistic merits.
The film’s selection as Nepal’s 2027 Oscar submission was announced by the International Feature Film Selection Committee, Nepal, on September 13. The committee evaluated two competing entries, including Dr. Kapil Rijal’s “Gauthali,” and selected Elephants in the Fog based on its technical aspects, script, emotional depth, and artistic qualities, according to a statement cited by thehimalayantimes.com. The film’s compliance with the Oscars’ eligibility criteria positioned Nepal in the global cinema spotlight, marking a milestone for Nepali cinema.
Cannes Victory Boosts Oscar Momentum
The film’s journey to the Oscars began with its triumph at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category. The story, which follows Pirati, a Kinnar community matriarch investigating her daughter’s disappearance, has drawn praise for its narrative depth and cultural resonance.
Nepal Oscar Entry 'Elephants in the Fog' Lands Wide
Shah’s previous work, the 2022 Cannes Short Film Competition Special Mention “Lori,” further solidified his reputation as a filmmaker capable of delivering impactful storytelling. The film’s production involved international collaborators, including co-producers such as ZDF/Das kleine Fernsehspiel & ZDF/ARTE and Bubbles Project, underscoring its cross-border appeal.
Global Distribution Deals Expand Reach
Elephants in the Fog has already secured distribution deals in 10 territories, with additional negotiations underway for North America. Variety reported that the film is now available through MetFilm Distribution in the U.K., Filmin in Spain, and EFAR Films in India, among others. A pan-Latin American deal is anticipated, while North American rights remain in advanced talks.
The film’s international rollout coincides with its screening at the Toronto Film Festival, where it is set to join other high-profile titles like Eugene Kotlyarenko’s Vintage Violence. The distribution strategy reflects the film’s ambition to gain both critical and commercial traction beyond its Nepali origins.
Elephants in the Fog to Represent Nepal at Oscars
The film has been sold to distributors across 10 territories, including MetFilm Distribution in the U.K., Filmin in Spain, Vedette in Benelux, Trigon in Switzerland, Lev Cinema in Israel, Jayantii in Australia, EFAR Films in India, PT Falcon in Indonesia, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. An inflight deal with Silk Route rounds out the announcement. These join previously announced deals with Arizona Distribution and Les Valseurs Distribution in France, missingFILMs in Germany and Austria, Imovision in Brazil, and The Tea Folks Films for local Nepal distribution. A pan-Latin America deal is expected shortly; North American rights are in advanced negotiations.
The film – which follows Pirati, matriarch of a Kinnar community in a forested Nepalese village, as she investigates the disappearance of one of her daughters during a nightly patrol against wild elephants – also leads the Asia Pacific Screen Awards nominations, picking up nods for best film, best director, and best performance. Elephants in the Fog is produced by Underground Talkies Nepal, Les Valseurs, and Die Gesellschaft DGS. Co-producers include Enquadramento Produções, Bubbles Project, Zischlermann Filmproduktion, Storm Films, Jayantii Creations, and ZDF/Das kleine Fernsehspiel & ZDF/ARTE.
Director’s Reflections on Cultural Impact
Abinash Bikram Shah expressed humility upon the film’s Oscar nomination, emphasizing its broader significance. To represent Nepal on this stage is a quiet, humbling honour. The quote underscores the film’s focus on marginalized communities, a theme that resonates with its festival acclaim.
Elephants in the Fog' to represent Nepal at 2027
The film’s title, Elephants in the Fog, evokes the unseen struggles of the Kinnar community, a transgender group in Nepal. Shah’s acknowledgment of the story’s collective ownership highlights the cultural and social dimensions that have contributed to its critical reception.
Oscars 2027: What’s Next?
The film’s Oscar submission sets the stage for its participation in the 99th Academy Awards, which will take place in 2027. While the final outcome remains uncertain, its Cannes win and global distribution deals suggest it has a strong foundation to compete. The selection also reflects the International Feature Film Selection Committee’s commitment to showcasing Nepali cinema’s evolving capabilities on an international scale.
For now, the focus remains on the film’s festival run and distribution strategy. As it continues to gain visibility, Elephants in the Fog stands as a testament to Nepal’s growing presence in global film circles—a narrative not just of artistic achievement, but of cultural representation and resilience.
Best Friend Forever, the distributor managing the film’s international rollout, also heads to TIFF with Midnight Madness titles Vintage Violence by Eugene Kotlyarenko and Half by Samjad, French adult animation Blaise – which took best film honors at both the Annecy Contrechamp competition and Fantasia – and Canada’s Oscars submission Nina Roza by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles. The Brussels-based company, launched at Cannes in 2019 as a sister outfit of Paris-based Indie Sales, is managed by Martin Gondre, Charles Bin, and Indie Sales co-founder Nicolas Eschbach.