The Elephant Whisperers scripts history with 1st Oscar for an Indian production, Guneet Monga says ‘two women did it’

The Elephants Whisperers won Best Documentary Film at the Oscars 2023, giving India its first major win. The film made history by becoming the first Indian production to win the Documentary Short Subject category.

Guneet Monga took to social media shortly after her big win to react to The Elephants Whisperers winning Best Documentary Film at the Oscars 2023. “We just won the first-ever Academy Award for an Indian production!” This was accomplished by two women! “I’m still shivering,” the filmmaker wrote on Twitter.

In an Instagram post, Guneet Monga wrote, “Tonight is historic as this is the first ever Oscar for an Indian production. India’s Glory with 2 women. Thank you Mom Dad Guruji Shukrana. To my Co-Producer Achin Jain, Team Sikhya, Netflix, Aloke, Sarafina, WME Bash Sanjana.”

“My lovely Husband Sunny. Happy 3 months anniversary baby! Kartiki for bringing & weaving this story. To all the women watching…. The future is audacious and the future is here. Let’s go! Jai hind,” the filmmaker wrote in her Instagram post.

Director Kartiki Gonsalves and producer Guneet Monga took the stage to accept their award at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony. Kartiki, who was visibly moved during her acceptance speech, said, “I stand here today to advocate for the sacred bond between us and our natural world, for indigenous communities’ respect, empathy for other living beings with whom we share space, and, finally, for coexistence.”

“Thank you to the Academy for recognising our documentary about indigenous people and animals. Netflix, thank you for believing in the power of this… To Bomman and Belli for sharing their sacred tribal wisdom, to Guneet, my producer, mentor, and entire team, and finally to my mother, father, and sister who are somewhere up there and you are the centre.