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British–Nepali writer, director, and producer Pradeep Shahi has been selected for the Cannes Producers Network to be held in 2025. This prestigious platform is part of the Marché du Film under the globally renowned Cannes Film Festival. With this selection, Shahi has earned a place among some of the most influential producers and film creators in the world.
This May, Shahi will present his new sci-fi film “Eklō” at the Cannes Film Market. “Eklō” is a zombie thriller, with a storyline set against the spiritual and mythical backdrop of the Himalayas. Currently in the post-production phase, the film blends Eastern philosophy with Western cinematic thriller elements to depict a future where humanity stands on the brink of extinction.
“Eklō” is the first installment of a planned trilogy, exploring themes of existential struggle, mythology, and the unseen forces that guide human destiny.
“Being able to participate in the Cannes Producers Network is a great honor for me,” says Shahi. “It’s not just about presenting a film—it’s also about representing Nepal on the global stage.”
Through “Eklō”, he aims to prove that it is possible to create world-class cinema from Nepal itself.
Shahi is known as the director of “1915: Legend of the Gurkha”, the first Nepali film based on Gurkha soldiers, and “The Last Ritual”, based on the ancient Himalayan tradition of sky burial. Both films are available to watch on Amazon Prime. His works present a new perspective based on identity, cultural heritage, and human emotion by combining the essence of Eastern culture with themes that resonate with Western audiences.
According to Shahi, “Eklō” was created with the goal of bringing Nepali cinema to the international market. He studied filmmaking in the UK, and after working on several short films and series there, he transitioned into directing Nepali films.
Through “Eklō”, Shahi expands the scope of Nepali cinema—blending mythology, existential horror, and deep visual storytelling to offer a cinematic experience that bridges East and West.
The cast of the film “Eklō” includes Pradeep Khadka, Benisha Hamal, Vijay Lama, Sunil Thapa, Diya Pun, Dinesh DC, Suraj Singh Thakuri, Aven Raj Upreti, Kavita Nepali, Truchu Rai, Krishnabhakta Maharjan, Bikash Adhikari, Diggaj Khatri, Binod Subedi ‘Kshitiz’, Shreeshesh Shrestha, child actors Jebin Shrestha and Syon Sabik Singh, along with British actor Jamie Bacon.
Produced under the Shai Production Nepal banner, the film is made in collaboration with Hamshire Accountants.
The producers of “Eklō” are Raju Kumar Gurung, Hari Shrestha, Bishnu Tamang, Utsav Bista, Sangita Wadi Shrestha, Bhairaja Thapa, Navin Siva, and Bagbir Pun, while the executive producer is Binod Subedi ‘Kshitiz’. The film features cinematography by Babu Shrestha, action direction by Raju Tamang, set design by Raju Painter, and art direction by Santosh Lama.
