Kinnar Community's Story Unfolds in Cannes Debut

Abinash Bikram Shah's debut feature, "Elephants in the Fog," will have its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. This Nepalese thriller is set in a village where wild elephants roam, and its narrative follows Pirati, the matriarch of the Kinnar community. She dreams of a life away from her community with her beloved.

The film's plot takes a turn when one of Pirati's daughters goes missing, forcing her to investigate. This compels her to make a choice between her personal desires and her obligations to her community. The story aims to highlight the resilience and deep connections within chosen families of the Kinnar community, who often face marginalization and transphobic societal attitudes.

"Elephants in the Fog" features a cast including Pushpa Thing Lama and Deepika Yadav, with a notable crew comprising editor Andrew Bird and cinematographer Noé Bach. The production is a collaboration between multiple international entities, including Underground Talkies Nepal and ZDF. The film promises a Safdie-esque urgency and a powerful finale.

The film's producers emphasize its role as a work of resistance and empathy, aiming to bring the complex humanity of the Kinnar community to global attention. This premiere marks a significant milestone for director Abinash Bikram Shah and his collaborators, showcasing a vibrant portrait of a lesser-known Nepalese community.