Big moment for India! ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ wins Oscar 2023 in the ‘Documentary Short Film’ category

It’s a historic moment for Indian cinema, the country has clinched its first-ever Oscar in 2023. The coveted award was won by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga for their documentary short film, The Elephant Whisperer, which was produced by Netflix. The film was recognized as the Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles.

The Elephant Whisperer is a poignant portrayal of the relationship between humans and elephants in India. The film showcases the efforts of a group of conservationists who work tirelessly to protect these gentle giants from poachers and other threats. Through stunning visuals and heart-warming stories, the film highlights the importance of preserving our natural heritage and living in harmony with nature.

Congratulations to the ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ team for the Oscar win! I hope it awakens the world to the timeless message of our seers about our bonds with Mother Nature and all its children. ‘Naatu Naatu’, a global phenomenon, has made every Indian proud: kudos to the team!

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 13, 2023

This Oscar win is a testament to the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. It is a proud moment for the Indian film industry and a source of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers across the country. As India continues to produce world-class cinema, we can expect to see more such accolades in the future.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH:

In her acceptance speech, Gonsalves passionately spoke about the vital connection between humanity and the natural world. She emphasized the importance of respecting indigenous communities and showing empathy towards all living beings that share our planet. Gonsalves also expressed her gratitude towards the Academy for recognizing the significance of their film, which highlights the stories of indigenous people and animals. She thanked Netflix for believing in the power of their work and her producer, Guneet, for their unwavering support. Gonsalves also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Bomman and Belli, who shared their sacred tribal wisdom. Lastly, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation to her mother, father, and sister, who are the centre of her universe, and to her motherland, India.