"Elephants in the Mist," a film directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, recently won the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard category. This section of the festival showcases films with distinctive storytelling and artistic vision. The film centers on the lives of transgender women in Nepal, particularly the kinnar community, which is matrilineal—meaning family lineage is traced through the female line. The story follows Pirati, a transgender woman who is the adoptive mother of three transgender daughters, exploring themes of love, family, and the societal challenges faced by her community. Abinash Bikram Shah explained that the film was inspired by the resilience of the kinnar community and their unique concept of family, which is built on chosen kinship rather than biological ties. The narrative unfolds in a village on the edge of a forest known for its population of Asian elephants. To protect their homes and livelihoods, the kinnar community participates in night patrols to scare the elephants away. This setting adds a layer of tension and connection to the natural environment, highlighting the community's relationship with the land and the animals that inhabit it. The film also delves into the complex dynamics between the kinnar community and the broader society, showing how they are both revered and marginalized. Despite facing discrimination, the kinnar community has a long history of cultural and social significance in Nepal. The film features actors from these matrilineal communities, adding authenticity to the portrayal. It was produced by a team that includes Nepali and international collaborators such as Anup Poudel and Michael Henrichs. Set in Nepal, the film also received support from production countries including France, Germany, Brazil, and Norway, reflecting its international appeal. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes and is set for release on September 23, 2026. It will be distributed by Les Valseurs and Arizona Distribution, with plans to bring its powerful narrative to audiences around the world.