Deep in the Himalayas, filmmaker Neha Dixit set out to track a ‘ghost’ — the elusive musk deer. She is one of several women using their cameras to spotlight India’s disappearing wildlife. From rare birds to big cats, their films are making waves in conservation. But what have they uncovered?
1. In Search of Kasturi: Capturing the Story of the Musk Deer
In 2021, Neha Dixit, a filmmaker from Nainital, Uttarakhand, embarked on a journey through the snow-clad Himalayas to track down the musk deer, locally known as ‘Kasturi.’ Her documentary, In Search of Kasturi, delves into the ecological importance of this 25-million-year-old species beyond the allure of its musk, which is often poached for its commercial value.
Braving sub-zero temperatures and treacherous terrain, Neha and her crew faced immense challenges. “Even people who’ve lived there for decades have not seen the animal. Its crepuscular nature (active during twilight) made filming even harder,” she recalls. The effort paid off when the deer finally appeared on camera, making Neha one of the few to capture this endangered species in its natural habitat.
Beyond filming, Neha uncovered alarming truths: the musk deer is frequently hunted, not only for its musk but also alongside species like bears for their bile, believed to have medicinal properties. Her work highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this species from illegal hunting and habitat destruction.
2. Bugun and a Forest of Hope: Saving the Bugun Liocichla
In Singchung, Arunachal Pradesh, the sight of a small olive-grey bird with a black cap never fails to excite locals. The Bugun Liocichla, first documented as a new species in 2006 by ecologist Dr. Ramana Athreya, exists nowhere else in the world.
Filmmaker Shaleena Phinya is bringing this rare bird into the spotlight through her documentary. A member of the Bugun community and a forest patroller at the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve (SBVCR), she uses her lens to tell the story of her homeland’s biodiversity. Her film showcases the conservation efforts of her community and the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem.
3. Catapults to Cameras: Tackling Illegal Hunting Through Storytelling
In West Bengal, thousands of protected animals, including jungle cats, Indian flying foxes, elongated tortoises, and vultures, are slaughtered in an illegal ritualistic hunt every year. Armed with bows, catapults, and spears, hunters decimate already dwindling populations.
Award-winning conservation filmmaker Ashwika Kapur, a director with the BBC Natural History Unit, is using her craft to bring change. Her documentary, which won Best Inspirational Film at the 2024 New York International Film Awards, doesn’t just expose the brutality of these hunts but also presents a solution.
By introducing wildlife photography workshops to children in hunting communities, Ashwika and her team have shifted mindsets. “These kids now see wild animals not as prey, but as creatures of beauty to be cherished and protected,” she shares. Her initiative has inspired a new generation of conservationists, proving that storytelling can be a powerful tool for change.
4. Wings of Hope: A Bustling Village and Their Bird Friends
Menar, a small village in Rajasthan, has transformed into a paradise for thousands of migratory birds. What makes it unique? The villagers themselves have taken ownership of conservation, fiercely protecting their wetlands and the birds that inhabit them.
Filmmaker Gunjan Menon highlights this remarkable story in her documentary Wings of Hope: A Bustling Village and Their Bird Friends. With over 32 international awards and nominations across 13 countries, Gunjan’s work has showcased how grassroots conservation efforts can make a difference.
“The Menarias welcome birds like honored guests and have built an eco-tourism model that safeguards their wetlands. Their activism led to Menar Lake being officially recognized as a wetland, granting it greater protection,” Gunjan explains.
One of the village’s Pakshi Mitras (designated bird friends), Darshan Menaria, proudly states, “We do not encourage hunting. Even visitors respect our birds.” The villagers patrol the area, prevent illegal hunting, and educate tourists, making Menar a model of community-led conservation. Gunjan’s storytelling won her the Audience Choice Award at the Jackson Wild Film Festival in 2023, reinforcing the power of films to inspire real-world change.
The Power of Storytelling in Conservation
These women filmmakers are proving that documentaries are more than just a medium for storytelling — they are catalysts for awareness, education, and action. As Samreen Farooqui of Roundglass Sustain, a digital encyclopedia dedicated to India’s biodiversity, points out, “Filmmakers are chronicling our Earth for future generations. Their stories do more than spark wanderlust; they drive impact.”
Through their unwavering dedication, these women are not only documenting the beauty of India’s wildlife but also fighting to protect it. Their work serves as a testament to the power of visual storytelling in shaping the future of conservation.