'Elephants in the Fog': Anup Poudel & Abinash Bikram Shah

When Elephants in the Fog (तिनीहरू) earned a historic Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, it drew a seven-minute standing ovation. It marked a watershed moment for Nepali cinema. But behind that international acclaim was a rigorous six-year journey that began back in 2020. In this episode of Fireside with Rupesh Shrestha, producer Anup Poudel and Director Abinash Bikram Shah break down the arduous path of bringing an independent Nepali story to the world stage. They share how a single script draft evolved through years of meticulous development, navigating complex international co-productions across five countries (including France, Germany, and Norway) without compromising their artistic vision. The producers discuss the delicate balance of representing marginalised community voices authentically while crafting a cinematic narrative that resonates with global audiences. Looking ahead, Poudel and Subedi outline an inspiring blueprint for the next generation of Nepali filmmakers: how to build world-class cinema, leverage international co-production markets, and prove that uncompromised, honest storytelling knows no geographical boundaries. Key Highlights: The 2020 Genesis: How six years of script development, rewriting, and strategic planning transformed an independent concept into a world-class film. The Cannes Triumph: Behind the scenes of winning the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and putting Nepali cinema on the global festival map. Mastering International Co-Production: The logistics, financing, and creative rewards of partnering with producers across five nations. Authentic Storytelling: Portraying marginalised community experiences faithfully while connecting with universal human emotions. A Roadmap for Nepali Cinema: Key lessons for emerging filmmakers on navigating global markets, securing international funds, and elevating