KATHMANDU:- The makers and the artistes of the Nepali film – Elephant in the Fog – received a mammoth welcome in Nepal after their movie earned international recognition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in France.     

The movie, directed by Avinash Vikram Shah, was premiered globally in the Un Certain Regard section at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. It also bagged the Jury Award in the same section, marking a major achievement for Nepali cinema.

Director Shah, producer Anup Poudel and actress Pushpa Thing Lama were welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu today by Minister for Communication, Information Technology Bikram Timilsina and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khagaraj Poudel as well as the representatives of the Film Development Board and the Nepal Tourism Board among others.

Authorities applauded the film for showcasing Nepal’s storytelling, culture and cinematic potential on the world stage.

Minister Timilsina remarked that the achievement of the Elephant in the Fog had strengthened the global image of Nepali cinema and highlighted the importance of films in promoting Nepal’s culture and natural beauty internationally.

Expressing happiness over the recognition, Director Shah jubilantly said support and respect received in Nepal had further motivated the entire production team.

He also revealed plans to begin work on another film very soon.

The Film Development Board announced that the movie would also be officially honoured this week with a cash prize of Rs 250,000 for bringing pride and new confidence to the Nepali film industry.