Debutant director Kartiki Gonsalves and producer Guneet Monga created history at the 95th Academy Awards. At the ceremony, their film titled The Elephant Whisperers won the Best Documentary Short Film award. It is about Bomman and Bellie who devote their lives to care for an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu. In a statement post the win, Guneet expressed excitement as The Elephant Whisperers is the first Indian film by an Indian production to win an Oscar.
Guneet 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 the history to be the first ever Indian film by an Indian production to win an Oscar. My heart is racing with all the joy, love, 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!"
Sharing a picture from the stage, she wrote on Instagram, "Tonight is historic as this is the first ever Oscar for an Indian production. India’s Glory with 2 women. Thank you Mom Dad Guruji Shukrana To my Co-Producer Achin Jain, Team Sikhya, Netlflix, Aloke, Sarafina, WME Bash Sanjana. My lovely Husband Sunny. Happy 3 months anniversary baby! Kartiki for bringing & weaving this story. To all the women watching….The future is audacious and the future is here."
The Elephant Whisperers is currently streaming on Netflix.
(Source: PeepingMoon/Instagram)
