Abinash Bikram Shah (Nepali: अविनाश बिक्रम शाह) is a Nepalese director, writer and producer. In 2022, his short film Lori (Melancholy of my Mother's Lullabies) was selected to compete for Short Film Palme d'Or at 2022 Cannes Film Festival, and won Special Jury Mention, making him the first Nepali filmmaker to be officially selected for Cannes and win an award.
In 2026, his debut feature film Elephants in the Fog made history as the first Nepali feature film officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Premiering in the Un Certain Regard section, it went on to win the section's Jury Prize.https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/cannes-un-certain-regard-winners-2026-1236756757/ It was also nominated for the Camera d'Or and Queer Palm.
Filmography Feature films Elephants in the Fog (2026)
As writer Highway (2012) Kalo Pothi: The Black Hen (2015) Shambhala (2024)
Short films
I am Happy (2013) Tattini: The Moon is Bright Tonight (2018) Lori: Melancholy of my Mother's Lullabies (2022)
Accolades Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) ResultCannes Film Festival22 May 2026 Un Certain Regard Award: Jury PrizeElephants in the Fog Caméra d'Or Queer Palm Asia Pacific Screen Awards 30 October 2026 Best Film Best Director
Honors
2026: In October 2026, Bikram Shah served as a member of the Sonje Award Jury at the 31st Busan International Film Festival.
References
External links