Directed by : Kartiki Gonsalves
Produced by: Douglas Blush, Kartiki Gonsalves, Guneet Monga, Achin Jain
Cinematography: Karan Thapliyal, Krish Makhija, Anand Bansal, Kartiki Gonsalves
Edited by: Sanchari Das Mollick, Douglas Blush
Music by: Sven Faulconer
Release date: 8 December 2022
Language :Tamil
The Elephant Whisperers is a 2022 Indian-American short documentary film directed by documentary filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves in her directorial debut. The documentary is about the bond that develops between a couple and an orphaned baby elephant, Raghu, who was entrusted to their care. Produced by Sikhya Entertainment, the film had its world premiere on 9 November 2022 at DOC NYC Film Festival, a film festival for documentaries in the United States. The film was released by Netflix globally on 8 December 2022 for streaming. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards.
This brief documentary is simple and calm in its beauty. In the movie The Elephant Whisperers, a pair of Kattunayakan elephant carers care for and rear juvenile elephants who have been injured, orphaned, or abandoned. Many other elephants don’t survive or have a chance of surviving, but Bomman and Bellie have dedicated their life to taking care of these elephants. Visitors get a close-up look at the more than 140-year-old Theppakadu Elephant Camp.
While you are happy for the two orphaned elephants, Raghu and Ammu, who have been given new homes by Bomman and Bellie, you are upset when Raghu is given a new carer. Although the plot may seem simple, the documentary’s captivating graphics are what make it such. The documentary skillfully establishes that viewers are about to watch a drama set in a forest with its slow camera motions (great cinematography) and gorgeous sights.
Viewers get an up-close look at the gentle nature of these adorable giants as well as the modern threats they face. Modernization and human behavioural changes in the area have significantly increased the danger to elephant herds and elephants who are unable to reintegrate (be accepted) back into their herd. It’s a quick watch for a short documentary, but it manages a strong narrative with ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, and moments of beauty and sadness.
Kartiki Gonsalves, the filmmaker, has succeeded beyond expectations in depicting the relationship and bond between man and animal on camera. One can only hope that the documentary inspires filmmakers to bring to light hundreds of other people who have worked tirelessly to do good while remaining unseen by society.
Bottomline
This is a must-see documentary that should not be missed!!
