The Indian documentary titled The Elephant Whisperers won the Best Documentary Short Film award at the 95th Academy Awards held on March 12 in Los Angeles. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, it was the first-ever Indian production to win big at the Oscars. Kartiki, who made her directorial debut with The Elephant Whisperers, returned to Chennai today morning. 

After the big win at the Academy Awards 2023, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin felicitated Kartiki in Chennai. CM MK Stalin presented a shawl and a memento to the filmmaker. Kartiki posed for pictures with the officials of the Tamil Nadu government.  

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The Elephant Whisperers won an Oscar by defeating Haulout, How Do You Measure a Year?, The Martha Mitchell Effect and Stranger at the Gate. In her speech at the Oscars, Kartiki said, "I stand here today to speak on the sacred bond between us and our natural world. For the respect of indigenous communities, for entity towards other living beings, we share our space with. And finally for co-existence. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing our film highlighting indigenous people and animals. To Netflix for believing in the power of this film. To Guneet, my producer and my entire team and finally, to my mother, father and sister who are up there somewhere, you’re the centre of my universe. To My motherland India."

The documentary is set in Mudumalai National Park and revolves around Bomman and Bellie who dedicate their lives to taking care of elephants named Raghu and Ammu.