Delhi, India — A short film highlighting conservation efforts for one of Asia’s rarest turtles has earned accolades at the 15th Dada Sahab Phalke Film Festival. “Saving the Bhimanama: Ayushi Jain and a Giant Turtle,” produced by Roundglass Sustain, received the Jury Award in the Best Documentary category.
Directed by esteemed environmental journalist Bahar Dutt and renowned nature filmmaker Vijay Bedi, the film showcases the work of wildlife biologist Ayushi Jain as she documents and strives to conserve the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle. This species, weighing up to 220 pounds, is critically endangered, with only a few hundred known to inhabit the wild. These elusive creatures are largely found in the waterways of southern Asia.
Jain’s conservation efforts are centered in Kasargod, Kerala, where she collaborates closely with local fishing communities who refer to the turtle as Bhimanama. This collaboration aims to raise awareness of the threats facing the species, which include habitat destruction due to dams and sand mining. Jain expressed concern, stating, “Dams and sand mining pose immediate dangers to their habitats, and additional resources are crucial for addressing these threats.”
The film also marks a significant milestone as it is only the second-ever documentation of the hatching process for these turtles in their natural environment, the first having taken place in Cambodia. The narrative captures the urgency of their conservation, highlighting a race against time as Jain and Dutt strive to observe the vulnerable hatchlings.
In the film, viewers witness the moment baby turtles emerge from their shells, followed by their gentle release into the river, with the local community and forest officials in attendance. This collaboration demonstrates the potential for successful conservation through community engagement.
Dutt expressed pride in the film’s recognition, calling the award a significant achievement for her team. She noted Jain’s impressive ability to mobilize community support and collaborate with local forest departments, emphasizing the importance of the film in promoting awareness of this unique species.
Neha Dara, head of Roundglass Sustain, shared her enthusiasm about the award, thanking the festival jury for their recognition. She pointed out that Jain’s efforts align with the organization’s mission to illuminate the challenges faced by endangered species and motivate public support for their preservation.
“Saving the Bhimanama” has previously garnered a silver award in the Video Spot News/Feature Reporting category at the 2023 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards, and it is now available for viewing on Roundglass Sustain’s YouTube channel.
This documentary not only aims to educate viewers but also aspires to mobilize efforts to protect a species on the brink of extinction.
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