Elephant Whisperers (2022) Runtime: 40 minutes
Director: Kartiki Gonsalves
“Elephant Whisperers” is a touching documentary that unfolds the heartwarming story of a tribal couple, Bomman and Bellie, living in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border in South India. Raghu and Ammu, two orphaned baby elephants, are entrusted to their care by the Forest Department. Raghu, a mischievous 7-year-old male elephant, was rescued from a tragic situation after his mother was electrocuted and he was abandoned by his herd. Bomman, a descendant of elephant caretakers, became Raghu’s saviour, nursing him back to health. Over time, Raghu became an integral part of Bomman and Bellie’s family, with the couple treating him as their own child. The bond between them is deeply emotional, with Raghu even comforting Bellie during her moments of sorrow. The movie is not only a heartwarming tale of human-elephant relationships but also a tribute to the beauty of South Indian forests and the rich culture of tribal communities. The documentary, produced over five years in Mudumalai, premiered at the New York City Film Festival for Documentaries and achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Indian film to win an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of coexisting harmoniously with nature and its magnificent creatures.
Kiss the Ground (2020) Runtime 84 minutes
Directors: Rebecca Harrell Tickell, Josh Tickell
The documentary “Kiss the Ground” highlights the urgent issues caused by the Green Revolution: desertification, global warming, and pollution. It traces these problems back to thoughtless industrial growth and the industrialization of agriculture, which disrupted the carbon cycle, releasing vast greenhouse gases. This leads to climate change. However, the documentary asserts that there’s hope in the new methods of “farming like nature.” Many farmers and activists worldwide are using eco-friendly practices like cover cropping, avoiding monoculture, and composting to draw carbon from the atmosphere and improve soil health. They also emphasize raising livestock sustainably, which supports soil microbes. Gabe Brown, a rancher in San Diego testifies to this from his experience of the changeover from the industrial method that ruined his farm in the 1990s. His success shows that restorative farming can be profitable and reduce desertification. Additionally, reducing and composting food waste is crucial. This new farming approach benefits both the environment and our future. “Kiss the Ground” also illuminates a path forward through sustainable farming practices.
To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe
