New Delhi: Netflix’s short documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, produced by Guneet Monga and directed by Kartiki Gonsalves won Oscars for Documentary Short Subject. ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ was competing in the category alongside ‘Haulout’, ‘How Do You Measure a Year?’, ‘The Martha Mitchell Effect’ and ‘Stranger at the Gate’. The film’s director dedicated the big win to her “motherland India.”
After being presented the honour, Kartiki, who was accompanied with producer Guneet Monga, said: “I stand here to speak today about the sacred bond between us and the natural world for the respect of indigenous communities and empathy towards other living beings we share our space with and finally for coexistence. Thank you to the academy for recognising our film, highlighting indigenous people and animals.”
She concluded by saying: “To my motherland India.”
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ marks Gonsalves’ directorial debut.
The film’s producer Guneet Monga also shared first reaction on social media as they made a historic Oscar win for Kartiki Gonsalves’ The Elephant Whisperers.
India’s Glory with 2 women
Thank you Mom Dad Guruji Shukrana 🙏🏾 To my Co-Producer Achin Jain, Team Sikhya, Netlflix, Aloke, Sarafina, WME Bash Sanjana. My lovely Husband Sunny. Happy 3 months anniversary baby!
Kartiki for bringing & weaving this story
To all the women watching….
The future is audacious and the future is here
Let’s go!
Jai Hind”
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ is a heartwarming story of an indigenous couple who have been given an orphaned elephant, Raghu to look after. The story follows the couple’s journey as they relentlessly work to ensure Raghu’s recovery and survival.
The short documentary beautifully stitches the tale of how the couple falls in love with the majestic creature in the course of time. Set against the background of life in the wild spaces of South India, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ highlights the beauty of exotic wildlife, unforgettable wild spaces, and the people and animals who share this space.
This short documentary marks the directorial debut of Kartiki Gonsalves. According to Gonsalves, stories are at the heart of human existence. Her debut project began with a simple curiosity that she had when she spotted a man walking alongside the road with an elephant calf during her journey from Bangalore to Ooty.