British-Nepali writer, director, and producer Pradeep Shahi has been selected for the 2025 Cannes Producers Network. This prestigious platform is included in the Marché du Film under the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. With this selection, Shahi has managed to make a place in the list of influential producers and film creators around the world.

Shahi will present his new sci-fi film ‘Eklo-I’ at the Cannes Film Festival to be held in May this year. ‘Eklo-I’ is a zombie thriller film, the story of which is based on the spirituality and mythological background of the Himalayas. The film, currently in post-production, combines Eastern philosophy and Western cinematic thriller style to depict a future where humanity is on the brink of destruction. ‘Eklo-I’ is the first chapter of a planned trilogy that presents a story of existential struggle, mythology, and the invisible forces that guide the path of human destiny.

“It is a great honor for me to be part of the Cannes Producers Network,” says Shahi. “It is not just about presenting a film; it is also an attempt to introduce Nepal to the world.” Through ‘Eklo-I,’ he is trying to show that world-class cinema production is possible even from Nepal.

He is known for directing the first Nepali film based on the Royal Gurkha soldiers, “1915: Legend of the Gurkha,” and “The Last Ritual,” based on the ancient Himalayan tradition of ‘Sky Burial.’ Both these films can be watched on Amazon Prime. His works present a new perspective based on identity, cultural heritage, and human sensitivity through a combination of the originality of Eastern culture and themes that appeal to Western audiences.

According to director Shahi, ‘Eklo-I’ was made with the aim of taking Nepali cinema to the international market. Eklo-I’ director Shahi studied filmmaking in the UK. After working on a few short films and series there, he ventured into directing Nepali films. Through ‘Eklo-I,’ Shahi is further broadening the scope of Nepali cinema, blending mythology, existential dread, and deep visual storytelling to create a cinematic experience that bridges East and West.

The film ‘Eklo-I’ stars Pradeep Khadka, Benisha Hamal, Vijay Lama, Sunil Thapa, Deeya Pun, Dinesh D.C., Suraj Singh Thakuri, Avon Raj Upreti, Kabita Nepali, Truchu Rai, Krishna Bhakta Maharjan, Bikash Adhikari, Digajj Khatri, Binod Subedi Kshitij, Srishesh Shrestha, child actor Jevin Shrestha, and Sion Sabik Singh, along with British actor Jamie Bacon.

The film, produced under the banner of Shahi Production Nepal, is in collaboration with Hamsaair Accountant. The producers of the movie ‘Eklo-I’ are Raju Kumar Gurung, Hari Shrestha, Bishnu Tamang, Utsav Bista, Sangita Bade Shrestha, Bhai Raja Thapa, Nabin Kumar Siwa, and Bagbir Pun, while the executive producer is Binod Subedi ‘Kshitij.’ The film, which is shot by Babu Shrestha, has action direction by Raju Tamang, set design by Raju Painter, and art direction by Santosh Lama.