History was made at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony as director Kartiki Gonsalves and producer Guneet Monga became the first Indian filmmakers to win competitive Oscars for their work on the short documentary film, “The Elephant Whisperers”. The film tells a heartwarming story of an Indigenous couple who raise orphaned elephant calves and the unique bond that they form. The recognition of Gonsalves and Monga’s work on this film marks a significant moment not only for them but for Indian cinema as a whole. The Elephant Whisperers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of documentary filmmaking in raising awareness of social and environmental issues, and the impact that can be made when we take time to understand and respect the natural world.
The Oscar-winning documentary tells the beautiful story of a couple, Bomman and Belli, who raise orphaned elephant calves in the Theppakadu Elephant camp within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in South India.
For five years, Gonsalves followed the couple and their “large” family of elephants as they formed a unique bond, providing a rare insight into the relationships between humans and animals. The film highlights the importance of coexistence and respect for the natural world, Indigenous communities, and empathy towards other living beings that share our space.
During her acceptance speech, Gonsalves spoke of the sacred bond between humans and the natural world, which was a recurring theme throughout the film. “The Elephant Whisperers” beat several other documentaries to take home the honour, including “Haul Out,” “How Do You Measure A Year?,” “The Martha Mitchell Effect,” and “Stranger At The Gate.”
The win is significant not only for the filmmakers but also for Indian cinema as a whole. Producer Guneet Monga, who attended the awards ceremony with Gonsalves, celebrated the recognition of the film on social media.
The film’s success is a mark of the importance of documentary filmmaking in raising awareness of social and environmental issues. The documentary has shed light on the complex relationship between humans and animals and the need for greater understanding and respect for the natural world.
It will not be exaggerating that The Elephant Whisperers is an inspiring and touching documentary that reminds us of the importance of coexisting with the natural world and respecting the bonds that exist between humans and animals. Its recognition at the Oscars serves as a reminder of the significance of documentary filmmaking in telling important stories that can inspire change and make a positive impact on the world.
Congratulations to Guneet Monga and Kartiki Gonsalves on their historic win at the Oscars! Jay-Ho! The Jay Kumar Show is proud to celebrate your achievement and look forward to seeing more groundbreaking work from you in the future.
