The Elephant Whisperers, helmed by Kartiki Gonsalves won the top honours in the Documentary Short category at the prestigious 95th Academy Awards. This makes it the first Indian production to win under the category.
Expressing her excitement over the big win, producer Guneet Monga said, "This is an incredibly powerful and historical moment. We as two women from India, stood on that global stage making this historical win. I’m so proud of this film, this moment, and proud of my amazing team at Sikhya Entertainment, that an independent production house from India has made history to be the first ever Indian film by an Indian production to win an Oscar."
She further added, "My heart is racing with all the joy, love, and excitement in the moment. I’m so grateful to Kartiki, the wonderful visionary that she is. Netflix gave us the biggest stage in the world and supported us n believed in us all the way. Today I can say, the future for Indian cinema is audacious, the future is here, and not to forget the future is truly female!”
Monga also shared her reaction on Twitter where wrote, "We just win the first ever Oscar for an Indian Production! Two women did this! I am still shivering."
A heart-tugging film from India, The Elephant Whisperers deals with the unbreakable bond between an abandoned elephant and its two caretakers. It is currently streaming on Netflix.
John Denham
