Tamil documentary ‘The Elephant Whispers’ emerged as the winner at the 95th Academy Awards, making it India’s first win in the documentary short subject category. The short film created history by becoming the first Indian film to win the prestigious award. Kartiki Gonsalves directed the film and was written by Priscilla Gonsalves along with Indian filmmaker Guneet Monga.
Now to honor the prestigious win, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced an award of Rs. 1 lakh to Bowman and Bailey, who inspired the story of The Elephant Whispers. He took to his Twitter and shared a video, writing, “#TheElephantWhisperers #AcademyAwards and our forestry work is known globally. In appreciation to Mr Bowman-Bailey, I gave Rs 1 lakh and 1 each to 91 Announced to give Rs. lakh. Rs. 9.10 crore for the construction of houses and workers of Theppakkad and Kozhikmuthi elephant camps.
The chief minister has also ordered payment of Rs one lakh each to all 91 mahouts and kavadis in Mudumalai and Annamalai elephant camps in Tamil Nadu. The amount will be distributed from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund. Shri Stalin has also announced financial assistance of Rs 9.10 crore for construction of houses for mahouts and kawaris.
Karthiki Gonsalves, the director of the documentary, also took to Twitter to express love and respect for the humble endeavour. She wrote, “Extremely happy and proud to see Bowman and Bailey being felicitated by our Chief Minister MK Stalin”.
In addition to winning the Academy Award, the documentary made the shortlist for DOC NYC, an annual documentary film festival held in New York. The film received nominations for Best Short Documentary at the IDA Documentary Awards and for Best Score at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
For the uninitiated, The Elephant Whispers tells the story of an indigenous couple named Bomman and Bailey, who are entrusted with an orphan named Raghu. The story tracks how a strong bond develops between the couple and the elephant as they attempt to nurse the injured infant back to health. It explores how the tribal people of India live in harmony with nature.
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