When Cinema Meets Crisis: Nepal's Oscar Entry 'Elephants in the Fog' Turns to Flood Relief

From the Hills to the Heart

As the Toronto Film Festival unfolds its usual spectacle of cinematic storytelling, a quiet revolution is taking place in the background. Nepal's official Oscar contender Elephants in the Fog, under the visionary direction of Abinash Bikram Shah, is not just making waves on the global stage – it's turning its lens inward to help those back home who are weathering a devastating natural disaster.

"There is something difficult about watching a film travel internationally while people close to it are dealing with the loss of homes and livelihoods," Shah tells Variety.

It's a sentiment that underscores the film's journey from its roots in the mountainous villages of Nepal to a global platform, all while navigating the harsh realities faced by communities still recovering from the floods that have left thousands displaced and vulnerable. But here's where things get really interesting: the film's creators are using their moment in the spotlight to rally support for those back home.

Floods and Film: A Powerful Alliance

With the monsoon season having decimated large swaths of central Nepal, particularly in Nuwakot district – where lead actress Puspa Thing Lama hails from – the stakes are incredibly personal. Co-producer Prachanda Man Singh Shrestha has also lost his home to the floods, making this not just a story about art but one about real human cost.

It's in this context that the film's team decided to channel its global visibility into local action. A fundraising screening in Kathmandu, held to support the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, has already begun raising awareness and resources for those in need. The film is also partnering with organizations like Zonta Club and Rotary Clubs, aiming to support children caught in the Bhotekoshi flooding.

On September 17th, a Paris screening is set to take place with Nepal's Ambassador to France expected to attend, with all proceeds from distribution going directly to Nepal's flood-relief fund. As Shah says, "We know that a film cannot solve a disaster, but cinema can gather people in a room, create attention and sometimes turn that attention into action."

Art as Activism: The Heart of the Matter

The story at the heart of Elephants in the Fog is centered on Pirati, a matriarch of a Kinnar community living in a forested Nepalese village. Played by first-time screen actress Puspa Thing Lama, who has spent decades advocating for LGBTIQA+ rights, Pirati embodies more than just a representation of gender diversity – she is a mother, leader, and symbol of resilience.

"She is not simply a representative of a 'third gender' community. She is a mother and a leader, with authority, affection, fears and contradictions," Shah notes.

This nuanced portrayal is why the film has struck such a chord – not only in Nepal but internationally. Lama's journey from activism to performance has made her a powerful figure in her own right, with the Asia Pacific Screen Awards nominating her for best performance, while the film itself has earned nods for best film and best director.

Global Reach, Local Impact

The film's commercial success is equally impressive. Sales company Best Friend Forever has secured deals across 14 territories, including major players in Europe, Asia, and beyond. In the U.K., MetFilm Distribution has picked it up; Spain's Filmin, Israel's Lev Cinema, and Australia's Jayantii are also on board. The film has already made its way to domestic Nepal through The Tea Folks Films, with a pan-Latin America deal expected shortly.

Despite the floods complicating local releases in Nepal, the film has carried into its second week since opening September 4th, taking in NPR69 lakh ($45,000) in its first seven days. But Shah emphasizes that the real value lies not just in box office numbers, but in the conversations sparked by each screening.

"But the conversations after screenings have meant just as much to us as the box office," Shah says.

The film's global reach has allowed it to become a beacon of hope for local communities. As it travels the world stages, it also serves as a bridge between Nepal and the international community – an emotional link that's more important now than ever.

Creating Family in Crisis

What makes Elephants in the Fog so emotionally resonant is its exploration of family, not as traditionally defined, but as a construct built from love and resilience. The relationships between women – mothers and daughters – are central to the film's narrative. It tells the story of people who create family when the structures around them have rejected them, and it does so with such tenderness and truth that it leaves audiences both moved and inspired.

This is a story about finding your place in a world that often doesn't see you – or worse, actively pushes you away. But through art, through cinema, through stories like this one, we're reminded that even in the darkest times, there is always light.

Final Thoughts: A Film That Lives Beyond the Screen

As the Toronto Festival continues its rounds, Elephants in the Fog stands as a testament to how art can transcend its medium and become part of something larger. In a world where so many stories are lost to tragedy, this film chooses to tell one of hope – and action.

In the end, the film's greatest achievement isn't just that it's being seen by millions; it's that it's helping those who need help the most. The power of cinema, I've learned, lies not only in its ability to entertain but also in its capacity to uplift, to heal, and to inspire. And Elephants in the Fog is doing just that.