Mumbai, 16 June 2024

India, a land of remarkable biodiversity, is home to a vast array of wildlife species and ecosystems. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush forests of the Western Ghats, India's diverse landscapes provide habitats for a multitude of creatures, including tigers, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and a variety of bird species.

The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) celebrates India’s deep connection with its wildlife by presenting a specially curated package on Wildlife stories in the Non-Competition section. This exclusive collection of documentaries highlights the beauty, challenges, and urgent conservation needs of various species.

These documentaries, along with their directors, bring forth narratives that are both captivating and educational, aiming to inspire audiences to take action for the environment. Let’s have a look at the Documentaries featured under Wildlife package:

WINGS OF HIMALAYAS

In an age of climate consciousness, "Wings Of Himalayas" is a thrilling adventure and a groundbreaking documentary which explores the fascinating world of the globally threatened Bearded Vulture. The film follows Nepali biologists Dr. Tulsi Subedi and his mentee Sandesh who bravely face the challenges of a changing climate to protect the future of these life forms.. The 31 minutes long documentary in English hopes to inspire audiences worldwide to take action and live more sustainably in harmony with nature.

Screening Date, Time & Venue: June 20, 2024, 8.30 pm at JB Hall

About the Directors:

Kiran Ghadge, a wildlife filmmaker, has created numerous documentaries highlighting conservation efforts both within India and internationally. Kiran also advocates for nature through lectures and writings, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation.

Munir Virani is a Conservation biologist, photographer, filmmaker and writer with over twenty years of experience in conservation project design, execution, management and dissemination.

HOMECOMING: THE ADVENTURES OF A GREEN SEA TURTLE

"Homecoming" follows the life journey of a green turtle on a curiosity-rousing adventure. Over a period of 30 years, Puddles travels from hatching on a remote beach to the ocean, navigating a dangerous crawl, experiencing her first swim, and eventually settling in the vast expanse of the ocean. However, over the years, due to the unchecked pollution of its waters, Puddles faces challenges in finding her way back home to the beach where she was born, threatening the very existence of her species.

Screening Date, Time & Venue: June 18, 2024, 6.45 pm at JB Hall

About the Director:

Amoghavarsha J. S. is an Indian filmmaker and wildlife photographer. In 2021, he won the 67th National Film Awards for his film "Wild Karnataka" as the Best Exploration/ Voice Over Film, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

BLOOD LINE

"Blood Line" tells the story of Madhuri or Tiger (T10), the grand matriarch of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. The story takes us deep into the forests of Central India, at the heartland of India’s Tiger Capital. In recent years, reports denote an upward trend in central India Tiger population, but the increasing numbers stack up against a shrinking landscape. Loss of habitat, rapidly fragmented corridors and prey pools coupled with surplus tiger populations paints a contrasting picture. The documentary presents a harsh reality to an expanding lineage of these magnificent cats. The film follows an extraordinary journey of Madhuri’s life and her progeny, in an ultimate battle for survival and the safety of her precious cubs.

Screening Date, Time & Venue: June 17, 2024, 8.30 pm at JB Hall, NFDC

About the Director:

Shriharsh Gajbhiye, a passionate wildlife photographer born and raised in the Tiger Capital of India, has been consumed by a burning passion for the natural world since he first photographed a tiger in the wild. Over the years, Shriharsh honed his storytelling and photography skills, closely following Madhuri for years to discover her extraordinary story that spanned half a decade to complete.

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PIB Team MIFF | Gautam/ Bibin/ Darshana | 13

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