Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the plight of sloth bears in India, who have been exploited for over 400 years as street performers. It follows the efforts of Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani, who founded Wildlife S.O.S. to rescue these bears from captivity and create a sanctuary for their rehabilitation. The film details their initial challenges, including visiting over 200 villages and confronting the Kalandar community involved in poaching and abusing the bears. It shows the brutal methods used to train the bears, such as using hot iron pokers to inflict pain, which led to the bears being forced to 'dance' for entertainment.
The documentary also emphasizes the broader impact of their work, addressing not only the rescue of 628 bears but also the socioeconomic changes made in the lives of the Kalandar families. By providing alternative livelihoods and educational opportunities for children, the film illustrates how the principles of Mahatma Gandhi were applied to advocate for animal rights and improve human conditions. The narrative captures the struggle against a deeply rooted cultural practice while showcasing the commitment to ending animal cruelty in India.
Why Watch
- •Follow Kartick and Geeta's fight against bear exploitation.
- •See the brutal methods used to train dancing bears.
- •Discover how 3000 families found alternative livelihoods.
- •Meet the rescued sloth bears living in sanctuary.
Did You Know
•The sloth bear has been exploited in India for over 400 years.
•Wildlife S.O.S. rescued 628 bears from captivity.
•The practice of using bears for entertainment began 400 years ago.
•The Kalandar community was involved in poaching baby bears.
•Mahatma Gandhi's principle states, 'A nation is judged by the way it treats its animals.'
Perfect For
Animal rights advocatesWildlife conservationistsSocial justice supportersFans of true stories