Indian documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ has won the Best Documentary Short Film award at the Oscars 2023, making it one of India’s official entries to win the coveted award. The 30-minute film was directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga.
The Elephant Whisperers is a heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary that tells the story of the bond that develops between an indigenous couple, Bomman and Belli, and an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu. This Indian-American short film explores themes of co-existence, environmental conservation, and the natural beauty of the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, South India.
The documentary takes the audience on a five-year journey following the human-elephant blended family belonging to the Kattunayakan tribe. Gonsalves spent a year and a half with Raghu when he was just a tiny baby before making this documentary. The bond that develops between the couple and the elephant is both heartwarming and emotional, and the film provides an insight into the lives of the tribal people who live in harmony with nature.
The Elephant Whisperers is not just a story about the bond between an animal and human, but also showcases Indian culture and tradition of environment conservation. The film highlights the importance of co-existence between humans and animals and provides an inspiring example of how we can live in harmony with nature.
The natural beauty of the Mudumalai National Park is captured beautifully in the film, and the documentary also features stunning photography of other inhabitants of the reserve, including leopards, tigers, and monkeys. The film provides a unique insight into the lives of the indigenous people and their relationship with the environment.
The Elephant Whisperers is a touching and thought-provoking documentary that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience. With its themes of co-existence, environmental conservation, and the beauty of nature, this film is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in exploring the relationship between humans and animals.
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