CANNES, FRANCE – Among the standouts generating buzz at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is EKLO—Part I. The science fiction film turned heads for its incredible narrative, placing Nepal firmly on the radar of the international cinematic world
Directed by British-Nepalese filmmaker Pradeep Shahi, this sci-fi epic marks a historic milestone as Nepal’s first foray into sci-fi, a genre that was previously unexplored in Nepalese cinema. The title EKLO, meaning “Alone” in Nepali, perfectly encapsulates the film’s bold and solitary vision, distinguishing it from its usual concepts. With the country making its debut at the Marché du Film alongside the most prestigious film festival of the season. EKLO—Part I represents more than just a film—it’s a statement announcing that they are here to be taken seriously.
With its unique blend of Hindu mythology and post-apocalyptic themes, EKLO—Part I has captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Its haunting visual aesthetic, emotional resonance, and fresh perspective on Nepalese filmmaking have all contributed to its status as a must-see film.
Director Pradeep Shahi’s sci-fi trilogy first takes viewers to a futuristic Earth in 2090, six decades after a deadly virus eliminates humanity in 2030. The story takes place in Nepal’s Himalayan region, one of the last outposts of human survival, where a rising civilization endures against all odds.
The plot thickens further when a British space agency astronaut, played by Jamie Bacon ( White Lines, Brighton), on a reconnaissance mission with his partner, newcomer Kabita Nepali, crash-lands in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Together, they uncover a hidden city of caves nestled among the mountains, where they encounter a mysterious guru/guardian played by Pradeep Khadka (“Prem Geet 1,” “Prem Geet 3”), which ends up leading to them becoming embroiled in a brutal kingdom that imprisons zombie-like humans.
Shahi explained the concept behind EKLO following its reception at Cannes.” With this film, we wanted to build a cultural bridge between the East and the West, defying the conventions on what people normally think about Nepal.”
Nepal is known as a prime destination for arthouse and indie films, so Shahi was able to balance his stylistic approach with a narrative that would attract not only people from the Nepalese diaspora but also international audiences who would be excited to see a different side of Nepal.
By weaving together ancient Hindu prophecy with futuristic sci-fi elements, Pradeep Shahi has created a film that explores timeless questions about civilization’s collapse and potential rebirth. The film’s powerful and innovative visual aesthetic, achieved through a blend of practical and digital effects, is a technical achievement previously unseen in Nepalese Cinema.
Nepalese films have the potential to inspire and influence global audiences, “- Pradeep Shahi.
Shot across Nepal’s spectacular Himalayan terrain, the film has been praised by industry insiders for seamlessly integrating local folklore with global sci-fi themes while creating something entirely unique in the contemporary film scene.
Following its reception, the film has already formed a dedicated following in Nepal while generating growing interest among international distributors. Currently in advanced post-production, Shy Productions is actively pursuing distributor partnerships for the trilogy’s following installments.
NOTE: EKLO—Part I is scheduled for completion by August 2025, and a global release is planned for late 2025.
For more updates on EKLO -Part I, follow Shy Productions on their socials.
