The Elephant Whisperers / Film School Radio interview with Director Kartiki Gonsalves

Kartiki Gonsalves’ enthralling and beguiling 2023 Oscar nominated documentary short, THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS, follows an indigenous couple, Bomman and Bellie, as they fall in love with Raghu, an orphaned elephant given into their care, and tirelessly work to ensure his survival. The film highlights the beauty of the wild spaces of South India, and the oldest wild elephant reserve in Asia, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, as well as the people and animals who share this space. THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS marks the directorial debut of Kartiki Gonsalves, a prolific wildlife and social documentary photographer, photojournalist and cinematographer. Raised in the Nilgiris Mountains of southern India where was filmed. THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS director, co-writer and cinematographer Kartiki Gonsalves stops by to talk about returning to this stunningly beautiful region, meeting and spending time with Bomman, Bellie, Raghu and Ammu as well as forging what she describes as an “unbreakable bond” with these elephants. To watch go to: netflix.com/ElephantWhisperers *2023 Academy Award® Nominee for Best Live Action Short Film