‘The Elephant Whisperers’ is a documentary film directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and available on Netflix. The film is a captivating exploration of the lives of elephants and the relationship between these majestic creatures and the people who live among them.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its stunning cinematography. Gonsalves and her team beautifully capture the lush landscapes and the magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The camera work is truly breathtaking, and it immerses the audience in the world of elephants.
The documentary follows the story of a group of elephant whisperers, or mahouts, who live in the jungles of southern India. These mahouts have a unique understanding of elephants and are able to communicate with them in a way that few others can. They are able to establish a deep bond with these animals and understand their behaviours, needs, and desires.
The film explores the complex relationship between the mahouts and the elephants they care for. It is clear that the mahouts have a deep respect for these animals and that they see their work as a calling. They live and work with the elephants, often spending years developing a relationship with them. The mahouts also have an impressive knowledge of traditional herbal medicine, which they use to treat elephants when they are sick or injured.
The Elephant Whisperers also delves into the challenges that are being faced by these elephants and their mahouts in modern India. The elephants’ natural habitats are being destroyed by human encroachment, and the animals are increasingly coming into conflict with people. The film shows how the mahouts are working to protect these animals and preserve their way of life.
One of the most moving moments in the film comes when one of the mahouts, named Raza, speaks about his relationship with the elephants. He says that he sees the elephants as his family and that his work as a mahout is not just a job, but a way of life. His passion and dedication to these creatures are truly inspiring.
While the film is a beautiful tribute to the elephants and their mahouts, it is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels slow, and some viewers may find themselves losing interest. Additionally, the film does not offer much in the way of solutions to the problems facing these animals and their caregivers. It is clear that the filmmakers are passionate about their subject matter, but they do not offer any concrete ways for viewers to get involved or make a difference.
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ wins Oscar for ‘Best Documentary Short’
Recently, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ won the Academy Award for the best documentary short film. The award was well-deserved, as the film is a masterpiece in both storytelling and cinematography. The Oscar’s recognition brought more attention to the film and its important message of conservation and cultural preservation. The Elephant Whisperers is a film that will leave a lasting impact on its audience, and its Oscars win cemented its place as a powerful and important documentary.
Overall, it is a beautiful, thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the lives of elephants and the people who care for them. Despite its flaws, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in animal conservation or the relationship between humans and animals. It showcases the deep bond between the mahouts and their elephants and highlights the importance of cultural preservation and animal conservation.
‘The Elephant Whisperers’: Cast and crew
Director: Kartiki Gonsalves
Producers: Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, Doug Blush, Kartiki Gonsalves
Nominations: Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film
Language: Tamil
Distributed by: Netflix
Cinematography: Karan Thapliyal; Krish Makhija; Anand Bansal; Kartiki Gonsalves
