WCT organised a special short film screening event on the occasion of Wildlife Week on October 1-7, 2020. We showcased seven inspiring wildlife/conservation short films made by passionate filmmakers. The films are available for you to watch on YouTube.
Film line-up:
October 1-2
1. The Last Hop(e)
A film by Dheeraj Aithal & Pradeep Hegde.
As the filmmakers embarked on this project to document a few rare species of frogs new to science in the Western Ghats, they realised to their dismay that the joy of these discoveries may be short-lived since these frogs face unprecedented threats today as their habitats vanish, climate changes and poachers abound. The documentary artfully captures the heroic efforts of the Forest Department, the Police and wildlife activists as they strive to turn the tide around for these endangered frogs. Though the future of amphibians on this planet looks incredibly bleak, not all hop(e) is lost for the frogs of the Western Ghats, thanks to the tireless, synergistic efforts of these frog saviours!
2. Living with Leopards in Uttarakhand
A film by Lokesh Mam & Gaurab Talukdar. A Green Hub film.
Co-existence of people and large carnivores is a delicate balance to strike and maintain. But, it is a balance that can be achieved through strong will and the right approach that benefits the community and wildlife. The Uttarakhand Forest Department have walked this tightrope with aplomb. This eye-opening documentary depicts the incredible efforts of the Uttarakhand Forest Department and the Titli Trust to turn people’s fear of leopards into sensitive tolerance for the big cats. By equipping the forest staff with the right safety gear and training, the Forest Department has managed to gain people’s trust, create awareness, mitigate conflict, and sow the seeds of peaceful co-existence in the region.
October 3-5
1. The Bugun & The Liocichla – The Story of Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve
A film by Shaleena Phinya. A Green Hub film.
This is an inspiring story of how the entire Bugun community of Arunachal Pradesh along with the Forest Department is striving to conserve and protect the Singchun forest where lives the critically endangered bird – the Bugun Liocichla. This bird species is found nowhere else in the world. Today, the diminutive bird has become the pride of the Bugun people and symbol of all that their forest stands for. The film is made by Shaleena, a Bugun herself, who is a part of the community reserve’s dedicated forest patrolling team. She and her camera weave this magical story of how one bird brought the whole community together to protect what is today considered to be one of the most bio-diverse community reserves in the world.
2. Tiger Matters
A WCT film.
In 2016, Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) came together to launch a pioneering conservation initiative – the tiger conservation programme called ‘Tiger Matters’. Over the next four years, the project went on to make an incredible impact within the Central Indian Landscape and even catalysed fruitful bilateral collaborations between India and its neighbouring tiger range countries. This is a significant film that illustrates the tireless on-ground efforts of the WCT team as they work to strengthen forest protection efforts through scientific interventions, policy advocacy, community welfare and most importantly, building capacity among the forest staff.
3. From Killer Roads to Humane Highways
A film by Shekar Dattatri.
One of the biggest threats facing wildlife in the 21st century is the rapid, and often unscientific and mindless expansion of roads and highways. Even the Protected Areas and important corridors connecting them are not spared the devastation and fragmentation caused by these roads as they cut through fragile and endangered habitats. The most glaring and needless of the consequences of building these linear intrusions is the countless wildlife deaths caused on the ‘killer’ highways due to collisions with speeding vehicles. Produced in the public interest, the goal of the film is to impress upon decision makers and the general public that development and conservation can go hand in hand if nature is thoughtfully factored into the planning process.
October 6-7
1. Protecting Paradise
A film by Paro Natung & Chandan Patro. A Green Hub film.
What does it take to protect a forest as magnificent, rich, yet immensely vulnerable to poachers, as Pakke? A brave army of foot soldiers and a visionary leader, with a single-minded focus to protect the irreplaceable wildlife of the region against all odds. This film is a glimpse into the world of the forest protectors of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. It is also a glorious tribute to the forest guards who have lost their lives protecting Pakke. ‘Protecting Paradise’ is a special film made by two members of the forest patrolling team of Pakke Tiger Reserve, a first-of-its kind!
2. Vanyoddha – The Frontline Warriors of Panna
A film by Sushil Chikane and Abhinav Pandey.
A collage of glorious visuals that embodies the oozing beauty of Panna’s forests, coupled with moving lyrics and soulful narration, this short film is a beautiful tribute to the ‘Vanyoddha’ – the forest protectors of Panna. The film is an earnest and sensitive attempt at making people aware of these unsung heroes who brave innumerable dangers and risk their lives everyday to uphold the duty of protecting the irreplaceable and life-giving natural habitats that are fast vanishing. It is time to recognise the forest protection force for their invaluable service, valour and sacrifice. It is time they got their due.