Oscars 2023: The Elephant Whisperers, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023.
The 95th Academy Awards have arrived, and this year’s ceremony is full of anticipation. And India’s ‘The Elephant Whisperers,’ directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short.
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ wins the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film. Congratulations! #Oscars #Oscars95
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023
Whispers turn to roars!
THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS JUST WON AN OSCAR 🥳🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/ZeD0MhzbaL
It’s a touching Indian-American short documentary about a couple who form an unbreakable bond with an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu. The documentary also highlights the stunning natural surroundings of the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, South India. It investigates how tribal people coexist with nature. The film is not only a moving account of an animal-human bond and their ability to coexist, but it also provides insight into Indian culture and the country’s long history of environmental preservation.
Cast & Crew
| Short Film Elephant Whisperers | |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Release Date | 8 December 2022 |
| Duration | 39 Minutes |
| Language | Tamil, English, Telugu |
| Story Writer | Priscilla Gonsalves |
| Director | Kartiki Gonsalves |
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| Music | Sven Faulconer |
The film, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves in her directorial debut, was produced by Sikhya Entertainment and had its world premiere on November 9, 2022, at the DOC NYC Film Festival, one of the most renowned documentary film festivals in the United States.
Following its successful premiere, the film was released globally on Netflix on December 8, 2022, allowing viewers all over the world to experience the couple’s and their beloved elephant’s touching story. The film has been praised by audiences and critics alike for its beautiful cinematography, moving storyline, and powerful message about the importance of compassion and empathy in India.
The short film was also nominated for Hollywood Music in Media Awards and IDA Documentary Awards, as well as being shortlisted by DOC NYC in the ‘Shorts: Change Maker’ category.
India is competing for this prestigious award this year, with three highly coveted nominations. RRR’s “Naatu Naatu,” directed by SS Rajamouli, is up for Best Original Song, while “All That Breathes” and “The Elephant Whisperers” compete in the documentary categories.
While Shaunak Shen’s “All That Breathes” was defeated by Daniel Roher’s “Navalny” in the Best Documentary category, another Indian documentary took home the prize.
Jimmy Kimmel will host the event, which will feature A-list presenters such as Deepika Padukone, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Michael B Jordan, Jonathan Majors, and Riz Ahmed.