Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

 


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Directory of Environment and

Wildlife Filmmakers

Published By:

CMS ENVIS Centre on Environment and Media

Supported by: Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI

www.cmsindia.org/cmsenvis

For copies and further information, please contact:

CMS ENVIS Centre

RESEARCH HOUSE

Saket Community Centre, New Delhi 110 017

P: 91 11 2499 2597, 2686 4020, 2652 2244

F: 91 11 2696 8282

E: envteam@cmsindia.org

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PUBLICATION SERIES

For copies contact

CMS Environment

RESEARCH HOUSE

Saket Community Centre, New Delhi 110 017

P: 91-11-2499 2597, 2686 4020, 2652 2244

F: 91-11-2696 8282

E: envteam@cmsindia.org

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Disclamer

Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this Directory, CMS

assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, which arises from the information

received from other sources. Neither is any liability for any damage resulting from

the use of Information contained herein.

Published by

CMS ENVIS Centre on Environment and Media, New Delhi

With support from Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

CMS ENVIS TEAM

Dr. N. Bhaskara Rao, Chairman CMS (Honorary Advisor)

Ms. Alka Tomar, ENVIS Co-ordinator

Mr. Rohit Singh, Senior Programme Officer

Mr. Dipendra Misra, Programme Officer (IT)

Rahul Thakur, Programme Officer (Information Management)

Mr. Sanjay Negi, Data Entry Operator

Design: Ivy’Dsouza

E. ionagraphics@gmail.com

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Preface

Over the years, media especially Satellite Television has seen unprecedented growth in

the country. A whiff of fresh choices greeted Indian viewers in the early 90’s, with multi

channel programming becoming a reality. The entry of foreign channels like Discovery,

Nat Geo, and Animal planet have carved a new dedicated audience segment for nature

and wildlife programming in India, which didn’t exist in the yore.

Wildlife and nature programming channels are replete with high budget ‘blue chip’

films running into millions of dollars, mostly showing breathtaking and beautiful visuals

of nature and wildlife. They focus only on the most appealing elements of nature and

cultures to entice the ‘global’ audience. For a common viewer it is all hunky-dory. The

technical razzmatazz and glossy films on nature though look awesome don’t reflect

the ‘real’ problems, nor do they address pressing issues let alone match the Indian

psyche and context.

This is where Indian filmmakers have to make a mark. To raise the levels of awareness,

express and bring out hard-hitting environmental programmes and documentaries that

reflect the ecological destruction and concerns. It is a sad fact that Indian filmmakers

don’t have lavish budgets and time to produce films unlike their western counterparts.

India provides a vast mosaic of environmental issues that are challenging and have

largely remained unexplored. Environment and wildlife filmmakers work under

demanding and at times life threatening situations and terrains, where even basic

medical help could be out of reach for many days together. Not just shoestring but

‘shameful’ budgets further exacerbate their plight and waters down the filmmaker’s

enthusiasm.

Thus the scope for ‘activist films’ needs to be widened further in the country among

the Indian filmmakers, through proper institutional support and adequate funding. This

Directory is one such effort to promote and encourage Indian filmmakers to produce

quality environment, wildlife and conservation film. Indian environment and wildlife

documentary filmmakers have made giant strides and have received international

recognition in the recent years. There is a need to recognize and institutionalize such

documentary films and ventures to promote environmental concern, to sensitize and

address the public and policy makers at large.

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Directory of Environment and

Wildlife Filmmakers

First Edition

2009

Published By:

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Abhinandan Sekhri

Add: Small Screen, 5/7

Basement, Sarva Priya Vihar

New Delhi-110016

P: 91-11-26565305, 26865588

F: 91-11-26868235

M: 91-9811237306

E: psareen@vsnl.com

W: www.small-screen.com

Abhinandan Sekhri has worked as a producer, director and

correspondent. He has produced and directed several corporate films,

public awareness spots (for the Indian Cancer Society), commercial,

promos (for Discovery Channel) and programmes for TV News Channel.

One of the films directed and scripted by him is “Temples of Water”, a

30-minute documentary film on the issue of water scarcity in Rajasthan

for PSBT. He won the Best Travel Documentary award in Spring Fest

2000, eveo.com, San Francisco for his film …….? “Chadar”, a 30 minute

English documentary for Doordarshan - I on a winter trade route in the

Zanskar valley of Ladakh received a Special Jury Mention at the Okinawa

Film Festival, Japan. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Amar Kanwar

Add: A. K. Productions,

N -14A, Saket

New Delhi

P: 91-11-26516088

F: 91-11-26513556

E: amarvg@vsnl.com

Amar is an independent documentary filmmaker who has directed over

forty documentaries and has consistently worked on issues of health,

ecology, philosophy, labour, law, politics, art and education for the last

fifteen years. He is a Postgraduate in Mass Communication, Film and

Television from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. His documentaries have

received several national and international awards and have been widely

broadcast and screened. Some of his awarded films are The Many

Faces of Madness, which won the Golden Tree Award in “Vatavaran

2002” -In,dia’s First Environment and Wildlife Film Festival. “A Season

Outside” won the Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco International

Documentary Film Festival, 1999 and the Golden Conch (Best Film)

Award at the Mumbai International Film Festival, 1998 Golden Orange at

the Antalya International Documentary Film Festival-1999, the Pinnacle

Award for Best Direction in 1997 and Jury’s Award at Film South Asia,

Kathmandu 2001. “King of Dreams” has received the Jury’s award at

Film South Asia-Kathmandu, 2002. His films have also been exhibited

at the Earth Summit 2002 in South Africa and in DOCUMENTA 11 in

Germany. The documentary film “Freedom” has received the Certificate

of Merit, Golden Gate Awards at the San Franscisco International Film

Festival, 2002, Grand Prix Award at the Enviro Film 2002, Slovak Republic

and First Prize at Cinema Ambiente 2002 and Torino International

Environment Film Festival, Italy. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Anand Parmar

Add: Anand Films

M/2, Vardhman Towers

C/o Jabalpur Graphics

Russel Crossing, Napier Town

Jabalpur, MP

P: 91-761-2627967, 5004026

M: 91-9827241188

E: jabalpurgraphics@yahoo.co.in

Anand Parmar hs been working as an independent filmmaker in the

last 4 years. He has produced and directed various commercial films,

documentaries on water management, wildlife and animations. He has

also produced a film on Rain Water Harvesting in Urban Areas. His first

directed film “Ek Aadmi Aur Ek Jungle” participated in Vatavaran 2003

Film Festival. He runs his design studio Jabalpur Graphics creating art

works, short animation films, commercial films & advertising. He writes,

directs, edits & adds effects to his films. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Anand Patwardhan

Add: 2nd Floor, 27

Lokmanya Tilak Colony Marg -.2

Dadar (East), Mumbai 400014

P: 91-22-24143782, 24102727

F: 91-22-2414 2946

E: anandpati@vsnl.com

Documentarist Anand Patwardhan has been making politically engaged

documentaries for nearly three decades. He went to study at Brandeis

University, Boston after an early involvement with rural education, where

he made his first film, “Business as Usual”. He also made a film on J.P.

movement in Bihar. During Emergency, Patwardhan secretly made

“Prisoners of Conscience’, which was exhibited after democracy was

restored. He continues to track urgent social and political transformations

in the country, as in “Hamara Shahar”, 1985, on the move to evict Bombay

pavement-dwellers; Ram Ke Naam”, 1992 on the Hindutva movement;

Pitru, Putra aur Dharamyudh (1994), on the cultural contexts of masculine

aggression in the subcontinent. His films, while winning national and

international awards have been recurrently confronted with political

opposition, such as War and Peace”, which was annulled by the high

court and on subjects like the urban homeless “Bombay Our City”, 1985,

religious fundamentalism “In the Name of God”, 1992, the connection

between machismo and sectarian violence “Father, Son and Holy War”,

1995 and the plight of those displaced in the name of ‘development’

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

“A Narmada Diary”, 1995. “War and Peace” a documentary journey of

peace activism filmed over three tumultuous years in India, Pakistan,

Japan and the USA, has won the Grand Prize, Earth Vision Global

Environment Festival -Tokyo, 2002; Best Film, Mumbai International

Film Festival, 2002; International Jury Prize, Mumbai International Film

Festival, 2002; International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI), Sydney Film

Festival, 2002. “In the Name of God”, has also won five awards - two within

India (Filmfare Award and the National Award) and three international

awards, two from Switzerland and the Citizen’s Prize from Japan. “A

Narmada Diary” participated in various film festivals like Earth Vision

Global Environmental Film Festival, Tokyo, 1995; Amnesty International

Film Fest., Amersterdam, 1996; National Video Fest, Kerala, 1995 and

Film South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal, 1997. This film has received The

Golden Award, Earth Vision, Japan, 1995; The Filmfare Critic’s Award

for best documentary, 1996 and Second Prize, National Video Fest.

Kerala, 1995. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Anand Syal

Add: Doordarshan Kendra

Jhalana Institutional Area

Jhalana Doongri

Jaipur

P: 91-11-23711491

Anand Syal, LLB, has done a course in Journalism as IIS Probationer

from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi and a diploma

in Television Production from Film & Television Institute of India, Pune.

Has been working in Media (All India Radio, Information Service &

Doordarshan) for last 27 years. Received 1st Prize in DD Awards

2000 –2001 for live coverage of Cultural Evening on Rajasthan Diwas

under ‘Best Live Event’ category and for his documentary “Ab Nahin

Roothenge Badal” under Environment & Wildlife category. Has produced

programmes on environment such as “Chandi Ka Samandar” which

participated in “Vatavaran 2003” Film Festival and “Aina”, etc. “Ab Nahin

Roothenge Badal” got nominated in “Vatavaran 2002” Film Festival in the

“Documentary” Category. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Arun Chadha

Add: Cine Pulse

511 Mandakini Enclave

Alaknanda

New Delhi 110019

P: 91-11--26277885

R: 91-11-26027244, 26029448

M: 91-9810118184

E: vdeepak@del3.vsnl.net.in

W: www.kalpanait.com

Arun Chaddha, a Graduate from Film and Television Institute of India,

Pune has been making documentaries and short films for the past 22

years for WHO, UNICEF, Ford Foundation and Doordarshan. He has

made more than 75 films on development and social issues, health and

social anthropology. Many of his films have been shown at the national

and international film festivals and have won awards. “The Shame is not

Mine”, a film on women’s empowerment received the Golden Conch

for best documentary film at the Mumbai International Film Festival,

2000. “Waiting for Reprieve” was declared the best film in 1995 at the

International Documentary Film Festival, Kerala on science, society and

development, The same year “Ek Sapna Sach’ received the first prize at

the FAI Film Competition, New Delhi and the “Temple of Goddess Earth”,

won the second prize in 1998 at the FAI Film Competition, New Delhi.

He has also done a 26-part series “Grassroots” on rural development for

Doordarshan International. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Bijay Kumar Nanda

Add: Sandhan Foundation

N4-129, IRC Village

Bhubaneshwar

Orissa - 751015

P: 91-674-550699

F: 91-674-553637

E: bknanda@satyam.net.in

Mr. Bijay Kumar Nanda trained in Basic TV Direction and Production

is presently working as a Producer (Media) in State Institute of

Educational Technology, an autonomous Media organisation funded

by Ministry Human Resource Development, Govt. of India since 1987 in

Bhubaneswar. He has produced more than 500 educational television

programmes for school children of Orissa and participated in various

creative project design workshops in number of places in the country.

“The “Fire that Sings”, a unique innovative program produced by him was

Nationally telecasted and was acclaimed with profuse appreciation in the

NHK International educational television contest, 1992. One of his film on

environment is “The Thin Framework” (58 mins), conceived, designed and

directed by him on the Mangrove Eco-system of Bhitarkanika produced

by Sandhan Foundation. This film participated in “Vatavaran 2002” Film

Festival. He also prepared a video documentary “Super Cyclone” on the

catastrophic disaster of this century where 20,000 people got perished

and the luxurious, rich coastal and rural fabric of the state got devastated

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

beyond repair. He has devised various motivational awareness campaign

packages to combat drought, land degradation and desertification

processes as per UN Convention guidelines with close collaboration

with RIOD (Riseau International D’ONG Sur la Desertification or the

International Network of NGOs on Drought and Desertification), RIOD-

India. He has been engaged in promoting awareness through media

campaigns on ‘Save the Earth’ through celluloid documentation, audio-

visual technology, pamphlets, posters, etc. He has been appreciated as

an innovative Media Scientist in a number of symposia. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

C. J. Reddy

Add: Tarangini Video Studio

C Block, Shanti Shikara Apartments

Rajbhavan Road, Somajiguda

Hyderabad 500 082, A.P.

P: 91-40-23322846, 3326864, 55660180

F: 91-40-3313593

M: 91-9848014168

E: tarangini@net.in

Mr. C. J. Reddy, a Cameraman, Producer & Director has produced &

directed over 70 programmes i.e documentary films, corporate profiles,

public issue films, news features, ad films etc for various organisations.

He is a Member Empanelled as a Producer and Director with Doordarshan

Directorate, New Delhi, Films Division, Govt. of India and A.P. State Film,

T.V. & Theatre Development Corporation. He has received several awards

in National & International Film Festivals for his films like “Himalayas

Calling” in Torento Film Festival, “Maaru Moola Prantalaku Manchi

Rojulu” in A.P. State Golden Nandi and for “Never Say Die” in Cracow

Film Festival. “Toli Velugu” won the A.P. State Silver Nandi Award, in

1993. He has worked as a Cameraman for Doordarshan Kendra, News

Reel Officer for Films Division and Advisor (Films) for A.P. State Film

Development Corporation during which has produced 52 Newsreel and

5 Documentary Films. His documentary film “In Harmony with Nature”

participated in “Vatavaran 2003” Film Festival. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

C. Saratchandran

Add: Third Eye Communications

101, NF Garden, Tripunithura

Ernakulam, Kerala - 682 301

P: 91-484-2784333

E: sarat@satyam.net.in

C. Saratchandran has done apprenticeship with Late Sri. G. Aravindan,

in his film “Pokkuveyil” (Twilight). He started video documentation of

environmental struggles, campaigns and actions from 1982. His two

early films were “No to Dams, A Pooyamkutty Tale” (1986) and “Save

the Western Ghats March: A Kerala Experience” (1988). Involved in K P

Sasi’s “Living in Fear” and “A Valey Refuses to Die”. His documentary

film “Chaliyar-The Final Struggle” co-directed with P. Baburaj, received

a Special Mention in the MIFF 2000 and a Bronze Tree Award in

“Vatavaran 2002” Film Festival. His documentary film “Bitter Drink” was

screened in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in 2003 and participated in “Vatavaran

2003” Film Festival. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Christopher Rego

Add: Ultra Film and Video

A-10, Sagar Sanjog

50/C, JP Road, Versova

Mumbai – 400061

P: 91-22-26360793

F: 91-22-26312861

E: kittu2k@yahoo.com

Christopher Rego, a Diploma holder in Film Direction from Film and

Television Institute of India, Pune has mostly produced news features and

documentaries mostly on environment, cultural, science and technology

and social and development issues. He has produced, directed and

scripted various television series, documentaries, TV Commercials/

Public Service Spots, Corporate/ Promotional Videos and Educational

Films. Some of the programmes produced by him are “Forests of the

gods”, a Documentary series for Zee TV on Indian eco-cultural tradition

of sacred groves participated in “Vatavaran 2002” Film Festival; “The

Village Republic”, a documentary for Centre for Science and Environment

was screened in Mumbai Short Film Festival on Indian environmental

issues called Wealth of Nation. His other films include “Natural Allies”

explaining the hazards of indiscriminate chemical pesticide usage, “The

Invisible Greens”, a documentary for National Council for Science and

Technology Communication; “Destination Harike”, a wildlife documentary

showing ecology and diverse bird-life of the Harike and “Turning Garbage

Into Gold” a documentary for Bio-Consortium India Ltd. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

D. N. Reddy

Add: F. No. 303, Block III

C. B. R. Estates

Deepthisri Nagar, Madinaguda

Hyderabad - 500050

P: 91-40-23041617

E: dnr_viewpoint@rediffmail.com

D. N. Reddy who has done B.F.A. (Photography) from J.N.T. University

has got 15 years of experience in photography and video filming. He

has worked as a lecturer in Department of Photography. He has been

involved in documentary film making for quite sometimes now. He

has also conducted various workshops and training programs on

Photography and filmmaking. His aim is teaching photography, real-life

documentaries, informative, travel documentaries and documentaries on

heritage. Some of his films include “A Journey Through Manjira Wildlife

Sanctuary”, “The Otter Land Coringa”, “An Insight Into Environment”,

“The Pranahita” amongst others. He has made many informative and

educative films. His film “The Lifeline of Pocharam”, “A Journey Through

Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary”, participated in “Vatavaran 2003” Film Festival

and “An Insight into Environment” participated in “Vatavaran 2002” Film

Festival. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

D. Vinod Kumar

Add: Vision and Video Filmmakers

28 G, Pocket A-1

Mayur Vihar - III

Delhi - 110096

E: ddt@vsnl.com

Mr. Kumar, a Producer, Director and Cameraman has done a three-year

diploma in Film Technology from Film & T.V. Institute, Chennai. Has 30

years of experience in filmmaking. Some of his works include Ananth

Richa, Kidney Transplant: Gift of Graft?, Money Flowers, etc. Has produced

a 60-second spot Animal Conservation for Discovery Channel and a four

part Documentary Forests of India and World of Nature - 5 episodes for

Doordarshan. He has also been a Director on the panel of Doordarshan,

Ministry of Agriculture, C.I.E.T., Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry

of Welfare, Ministry of Telecommunications, Dept. of Child and Women

Development, B.H.E.L. and S.A.I.L., etc. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Dinesh Lakhanpal

Add: Lakhanpal Productions

48/C-I, Areshwar Mhada

S.V.P. Nagar, Andheri (W)

Mumbai 400 053

P: 91-22-26391666

F: 91-22-26391666

M: 91-9820181979

E: lpd@vsnl.com

W: http://entertainment.vsnl.com/lakhanpal

Dinesh Lakhanpal is basically a creative writer and has been contributing

regularly as a free-lancer, articles on socio-political, socio-economic

and environment issues besides writing on art and cinema in various

newspapers and magazines. He is also the Vice-President of Indian Film

Directors Association, Mumbai, Member of Association of Moving Picture

& Television Programme Producers, Mumbai & a Member of Indian Film

Writers Association. He worked as an associate director with Ms. Sai

Paranjpye in the making of her 1st two feature films “Sparsh” (The Touch)

and “Chasme Buddoor” (Remain Away the Evil Eye). “Sparsh” won Three

National Awards & “Chashme Buddoor” is considered as one of the best

comedy films. He has produced many features & fiction work. Some

documentary “Woods Were lovely Dark & Deep” was released at World

Summit for Sustainable Development, 2002, Johannesburg, South

Africa. It was also the winner of Intermedia Gold Globe Award at 4th

World Media Festival, May 2003, Hamburg. His film “Chandi Prasad Bhatt

ki Kahani Banaam Chipko Andolan” (“Jungle is My Mother’s Home )on

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Internationally renowned Environment Movement, Chipko Movement

(Hug the Tree) of Western Himalayas bagged its leader Chandi Prasad

Bhatt, Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership and Berlin

Senate’s Special Award at Green Week Film Festival, Berlin as the Best

film on environmental protection for technology and economy. This

film also won three international awards. “Benefit for whom at whose

cost?” written, produced & directed by him for Ministry of Environment

& Forest won two National Award for the Best Investigative Film. The

film is a national study of the problem of rehabilitation in river valley

projects. He has also received German Televisions Special Award with

Citation and 2000 DM & Certificate of Merit at the ‘Care for Nature’

Environment Film Festival, Bangalore, India. He also produced and

directed “Blue Could Be My Water” a film on River Front Development

of Yamuna River, in and around Delhi for HUDCO. He has also written

and directed “Mumbai Coastline”, a short film on coastline pollution and

coastal regulation zone act. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

G. Shanker

Add: Shanker Films

Plot No. 2, Venkatapuram Colony

Walker Town, Secunderabad

Andhra Pradesh - 500025

P: 91-40-7502943

G. Shanker, has done diploma in photography and cinematography

from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. He is into

making wildlife films and wildlife research. He is also a member of Sonaco

(Society of Nature conservation). Some of the films produced by him are

“Pelicans of Nelapattu”, 1987, “Otter Home”, 1989 which was presented

in International Otter symposium held in Germany, “A Day in the Deer

Park”, 1997, and “Our Wild Citizens” a film on Nehru Zoological Park,

Hyderabad. “Expedition to an Ancient Jungle”, March 1999 produced

for the A.P. Forest Department, “The Last Wilderness”, Video film on

KBR National Park participated in “Vatavaran 2002” India’s First National

Environment and Wildlife Film Festival. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Gautam Pandey

Add: Riverbank Studio, C-18

Chirag Enclave

New Delhi- 110 048

P: 91-11-26216508, 26410684

E: gautamunderscore@rediffmail.com

wildlife@vsnl.com

W: www.riverbankstudios.com

Gautam Pandey is a young filmmaker who has done some animation

work, worked as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer and also composed

music for various films. His directed film “Kurumbas – Children of the

Blue Mountains” won the Mayor of Prague Award at IFAAFHas. He has

also worked in Tehelka dot com as an Illustrator & Graphics Designer.

Directed a 6 minute animation film for children and adults “Magic of Life”

which was awarded ‘Best Documentary’ in the category of Newcomers

in “Vatavaran 2003” Film Festival. Produced a 2 part series on Gram

Swaraj - Rights of the Child and Empowering Women for the Ministry

of Rural Development and Doordarshan. He has done animation work

in “Earth Matters” an environment series for Doordarshan and “Khullam

Khulla”, children’s film on DD and on the award wining film “Shores of

Silence. His documentary film “Timeless Traveller - The Horseshoe Crab”

was awarded Silver Tree Award for Best Documentary in the category of

wildlife conservation and Award for the Best Documentary in the category

of Revelation. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Gurmeet Sapal

Add: Explorers, 235-B

Shipra Sun City, Indirapuram

Gaziabad, UP

M: 91-9810273726

E: gsapal@yahoo.com

Gurmeet Sapal, a diploma holder in Radio and T.V. Journalism form Indian

Institute of Mass Communication has worked as a Director, Producer,

Cameraperson & Reporter. He started his career with Zee News as a news

reporter. Later he joined moving pictures and graduated to associate-

producer/TV Editor. He has produced several news capsules and short

films. His most challenging project has been photographing and writing

about the Himalayan wildlife and culture for a travel portal Yatraindia.

com. He worked as a cameraperson with eminent wildlife filmmakers

Rajesh and Naresh Bedi. He had directed the Award Winning film

“Chasing Butterflies” at “Vatavaran 2002” - First National Environment

& Wildlife Film Festival. He has also worked as a Mountain & Wildlife

Photographer – Writer for a Travel Portal called “yatraindia.com” and

worked as a Photographer for “Wahindia Magazine”. He has worked as a

Producer of “Namaste from London” for Newswallahs Ltd., as a Reporter

with Zee India Television for English News, Editor for DD Sports Channel,

& “Sports Classic” & also worked as a Reporter / Assistant Producer in

TV AM for “Subah Savere” of DD 1. He has also been the Winner of the

Zee TV Award in Electronic Journalism His documentary film “The Beauty

of Dragon” was nominated in the category of Wildlife Conservation in

“Vatavaran 2003” Film Festival. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

H. B. Muralidhara

Add: Beacon Television

Wing A-1/Flat 103

Siddharth Nagar Building

No. 5, CHS Ltd.

Opposite Dheeraj Savera

Mumbai- 400 066

P: 91-22-56764990

E: murali2@bol.net.in

Under the banner of Beacon Television Mr. Muralidhara has directed and

produced.several programmes for Channels like ZEE TV, DD10, Mumbai

channel, Siti Cable, Doordarshan. Also worked as Freelance TV journalist

for ‘Parakh’. As a journalist reported live in most NDTV and Doordarshan

Election, Analysis from Bombay. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Himanshu Malhotra

Add: Multi Media

C-50 Defence Colony

New Delhi - 110024

P: 91-11-24330000

E: naturewatch@vsnl.com

himanshu@ndb.vsnl.net.in

M.A. in Mass Communications, Himanshu Malhotra has experience in

making environment and wildlife films. He has directed and filmed a

number of documentaries - Siberian Crane Project in Bharatpur, Series

on environment “Prakriti Ek Parichye”, Films for the World Wide Fund

for nature, India, etc. He has made films on bird sanctuaries of Uttar

Pradesh for U.P. Tourism on the Harike Project to remove water hyacinth

by the Army. His main areas of interest are animal rights, environment

and wildlife. He is empanelled with D.A.V.P, I.G.N.O.U, Doordarshan and

Dept. of Horticulture, Gurgaon. His films have particpated in IV Fest,

Bombay Short Film Festiva, Rishab Award for ‘Are we so insensitive to

life’. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Jagdish Vasant Kulkarni

Add: Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra

Open University

Dhyan Gangotri

Gangapur Road, Nasik

Maharashtra- 422 222

P: 91-253-2231481

E: jagdishrasika@hotmail.com

W: www.ycmou.com

Mr. Jagdish Kulkarni, is employed with Y.C.M. Open University since last

12 years as a Technical Incharge in its Audio Visual Production Centre.

He has produced over 200 educational programmes for telecasting

through Doordarshan. He was also actively involved in production of

some T.V. Serials. Mr. Jagdish Kulkarni has proven his excellence as an

editor of a documentary that was awarded a Best Production Prize by

U.G.C. His film “Discovery of God” was screened in Vatavaran 2003 Film

Festival. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Jahar Kanungo*

Add: DMCC Ltd.

9C, Atmaram House

9th Floor, 1, Tolstoy Marg

Connaught Place

New Delhi - 110001

P: 91-11-23315041/ 23315042

F: 91-11-23315041

E: yume@vsnl.com

kanungos@nda.vsnl.net.in

dmccdel@bol.net.in

Has researched, written, directed and produced “In the Shadows of

the Mangroves”. This film has been broadcasted in national and a few

international networks. His scripted, produced and directed film Partners

in Peril, a 30 minute video film on environment was screened in Japan

International Film Festival (Toyama), Wildscreen Film Festival (Bristol),

Environmental Film Festival organised by USIS (Calcutta). This film also

participated in Vatavaran 2002 Film Festival. He has also done research

and photo documentation on Tiger Cult. ∎

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K. Bikram Singh

Add: Cine Arts India

242, SFS Flats, Hauz Khas

New Delhi - 110016

P: 91-11-26866923, 26963684, 26564253

P: 91-11-26866923

M: 91-9811484448

E: bikram@nda.vsnl.net.in

W: www.kbikramsinghfilms.com

Mr. K. Bikram Singh’s interest in serious cinema goes back to the 60’s

when he became a member of ‘Film Forum’ a film society of Mumbai.

He has produced & directed more than 60 documentaries & some have

participated in the International Film Festivals in India & Abroad. He has

been a member, Chairperson of many other film festival’s selection panel

like Short Film Jury for the National Film Awards 1994 & NISCORT film

festival 1999. He also writes a column on life, literature and the arts called

‘Bimb Pratibimb’ in Hindi Daily “Jansatta”. Apart from his film ‘Andhi Gali’

produced in 1994, he directed feature film ‘Tarpan’ (The Absolution)

for the National Film Development Corporation, which won Best Script

Award. “Tarpan” has also participated in the Panorama Section of India’s

International Film Festival in 1995 & has received Aravindan Award for the

Best Debut Film and Naguib Mahfouz Award at Cairo International Film

Festival in 1995. This film also participated in Moscow International Film

Festival, Montreal World Film Festival and Chicago Film Festival in 1995.

A few of his well known documentaries/ television series are ‘Greening

of Ralegan Shindi’ (on the work of environmentalist Anna Sahib Hazare),

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‘Roots of Datia’ (on the regeneration of barren land), ‘Satyajit Ray:

Introspections’, etc. Mr. K. Bikram Singh has a deep interest in issues

relating to the environment, and tourism. He has made 20 documentaries

related to environmental and social issues. The theme and the story

outline of his television serial, ‘Kahin Ek Gaon’ produced in 1995-96 was

conceived by him in 87-88 wile shooting the documentary ‘Greening

of Ralegan Shindi’. This deals with the environmental regeneration of

a village in Maharashtra, led by the well-known environmentalist Anna

Saheb Hazare. He has also produced video series on Indian Painting.

These films have been hailed a landmark works on Contemporary

Indian Painting by the critics. His other important works include a video

documentary “The World of Peries’ and “Of Life and Death’ which were in

the competitive section of the Mumbai International Film Festival 2002.

He has been the President of North India Films Association, Member

Central Selection Panel for Feature Films for Indian Panorama Section of

the Indian International Film Festival (1991), Chairman, Selection Panel

for Non-feature films of Indian Panorama 1992, and Chairman, Short

Film Jury for the National Film Awards - 1994 and Chairman Jury for

NISCORT Film Festival 1999. He is a member of Indian Documentary

Producer’s Association and a life member of Indian Film Director’s

Association. Film and TV producer and director. He has produced and

directed over 60 documentaries, many of which have won national and

international recognition. His company is called Cine Arts India and

in1984 he produced the feature film Andhi Gali, directed by Buddhadeb

Dasgupta. In 1985-86 he was the executive producer of the feature film

New Delhi Times directed by Ramesh Sharma. A few of his well known

documentaries/television series are Contemporary Indian Painting,

Greening of Ralegon Shindi (on the work of environmentalist Anna Sahib

Hazare), In Search of Limelight (on the Junior Artistes of the film industry),

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Satyajit Ray Introspections, Jhilimili Story (on the empowerment of rural

women), Roots of Datia (on the regeneration of barren land), A Painter’s

Portrait (a series on contemporary Indian painters) and Without Malice

(a series on the political history of independent India through published

political cartoons). The film on Ray has been shown in several film

festivals and countries including Japan, the UK and the USA. It was part

of the Indian Panorama Section of India’s International Film Festival in

1991. Roots of Datia was given the special jury award for the best film

in Ecology at the EcoTourIndFilm, in Romania. His feature film Tarpan

(The Absolution) made in 1995 was shown in the Montreal, Chicago and

Moscow Film Festivals. It won the Naguib Mahfouz Award at the Cairo

International Film Festival in 1995. ∎

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K. P. Sasi

Add: ALCOM

139, Second Floorm 10A Cross

1st Phase, J.P.Nagar

Bangalore- 560078

P: 91-80-23650916

E: sasi36@rediffmail.com

Best Film Award, Enfest, Special Jury Prize, Bodrum International,

Environment Film Festival, Turkey

K P Sasi started working as a cartoonist while being a student in JNU

during the late seventies. He started experimentng with films on 8mm

during the early eighties. His documentaries include `A Valley Refuses to

Die’, `We Who Make History’ `Linving in Fear’, `In the Name of Medicine’

and `Voices from a Disaster’ . His feature films include

Ilayum Mullum’ , on the social and psychological violence on women in

Kerala, `Ek Alag Mausam’ and `Shhh...Silence Please’, a silent comedy

film on development. His films have been screened and awarded at

several national and international film festivals. ∎

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K. Raakesh

Add: Comnet Videotech

6A, Pocket 6, MIG Flat

Mayur Vihar - III

P: 91-11-22613200

M: 91-9811290961

E: kraakesh@rediffmail.com

A veteran producer, having many documentaries and shows to his credit.

He has been associated with print and electronic media for over a decade.

Produced documentaries on different subjects like Ancient Architecture,

Social and Developmental issues as well as on Heritage and Education.

Presently doing a series on Traditional musical Instruments of India.

Some of his fiction work include, Prof. Wasan, a detective serial,

Jootha Sach, etc. Social issues film include Nai Subah for Doordarsha,

Antodaya on child labout for ILO and FICCI. Films on Agriculture include

Ek Kahani Patta Bolay for Doordarshan National Network, Jute for Mr.

Pritish Nandy. Films on Women Issues include IGSEP for UNIFEM, Etc.

Eductional Films include Gyan Kosh for IGNOU, and Voice of Gandhi for

Doordarshan, Technical Films include ISO 9000 for ASSOCHAM and NAI

Umang for the Prime Minister Rozgaar Yojna for Small Scale Industries.

Some of his environmental films include Samatnay Sahejnay Ka Vigyan

on tradional water harvesting methods, Chipko ki Yatra for PRIA, Maiti

for HARC on cultural environment conservation movement, Ripples

of Change on Himalayan Eco-rehabilitation for I.D.R.C. (Canada) and

I.C.F.R.E. and Oil Seed Plants of Himalaya for Ministry of Agriculture. He

has also produced short stories and features for Surabhi. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Krishnendu Bose

Add: Earthcare Films

1391, Defence Colony

New Delhi - 110 024

P: 91-11-24334171, 24332005

24332019

F: 91-11-24334068

M: 91-9811843111

E: earthcare1@vsnl.com

W: www.earthcarefilms.com

Krishnendu Bose makes wildlife and conservation films for National, as

well as, International Television. In the last 16 years, Krishnendu has made

films on a variety of subjects from elephants to tigers, from pollution to

human rights and environment issues. He was awarded with the Special

Jury’s Award at the Okomedia Environmental Film Festival for his film on

Food Security – Harvesting Hunger.

Krishnendu Bose, partner, Earthcare Films set up this company for

making wildlife and conservation films. In 1987 he went independent

making environment and wildlife documentaries. He has conducted

workshops in schools and colleges on Environment using his films as

a medium. His interest is now developing the dissemination of films and

making film as an enpowering tool for the communities. He is member

of the Delhi based Environment Activist Organisation, Kalpavriksh and

is involved in few film and dissemination projects with this organisation.

Krishnendu was selected by Rockefeller Foundation, USA for their

international training programme on Environment and Development

(LEAD - Leadership in Environment and Development) for the year 1994-

1997. His organisation Earthcare has been involved in two Television

Series on animal rights and corporate responsibilities in conservation for

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national television. Krishnendu has been involved with BBC’s 6 part series

“Land of the Tiger” as a sequence producer and other programmes such

as “Wild Things” produced by Paramount Television and “World Gone

Wild” a show produced by 20th Century Fox, as the South Asian location

producers.

KRISHNENDU BOSE, after acquiring a Masters degree in Economics

from Delhi School of Economics (1985) got into independent filmmaking

and later with his wife set up this production house. He is member of the

Delhi based Environment Activist Organisation, - Kalpavriksh.

Krishnendu was selected by Rockfeller Foundation, USA for their

international training programme on Environment and Development

(LEAD - Leadership in Environment and Development) for the years ‘94

- ‘97. During this fellowship, Krishnendu read position papers in Costa

Rica, Thailand and Zimbabwe on India’s environment.

KRISHNENDU BOSE, one of the Directors of Earthcare, has a Masters

degree in Economics from Delhi School of Economics. ln 1988 he

set up Earthcare, with the objective of making ecologically relevant

documentaries.

Krishnendu has conducted workshops in schools and colleges on

Environment using his films as a medium. He is a member of the Delhi

based environment activist organisation, Kalpavriksh.

Krishnendu was selected by The Rockefeller Foundation, USA for their

international training programme LEAD (Leadership in Environment and

Development) for the year `94-’97. During this fellowship, Krishnendu

read position papers on India’s environment in Costa Rica, Thailand and

Zimbabwe.

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Krishnendu was invited by The Environmental Investigative Agency (EIA),

UK to attend the Elephant Conference at Johannesburg in May `97. He

presented his film on Asian elephants there.

Director, Earthcare Films. He is an environmentalist who wants to make

a difference in this world of waning ecological values through moving

images. Together with Madhurima Sen Bose, the other director, he seeks

to create public opinion and sensitise policy makers on key environment

and development issues. His films are screened and used by NGOs

as well as government workers at the grassroot level for helping the

environment conservation movement. Harvesting Hunger, a film on

the politics of food in India won the special jury award at Okomedia

Environment Film Festival in Freiburg, Germany in 2000. Earthcare Films

is working on making environment films as educational packages for

campaigns or movements and a series for television channels. The team

has worked with BBC, Paramount Television, Fox Family Channel and

Scandinature Films, Sweden. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Krupakar

Add: No. 1, 12th Cross

V.V. Mohalla, Mysore

Karnataka

P: 91-821-2519211

E: senani@sancharnet.in

Mr. Krupakar and Mr. Senani are a duo of wildlife photographers /

filmmakers who have worked in the Western Ghats for over 20 years,

under the name Krupakar Senani. Their photographs have been

published in a number of wildlife magazines both in India and abroad.

They have worked as consultants and camerapersons to a number

of international television producers, apart from producing 12 wildlife

documentaries for local television. They have been actively involved in

social and conservation activities in Karnataka. Alongside, for the past

eight years, they are doing an intensive study of pack dynamics of the

Asiatic wild dog in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. They have received

Sahitya Academy Award, Karnataka’s highest literary award in 1999. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Mandakini Mathur

Add: Dr. Nivsarkar’s Bunglow

Mahabaleshwar Road

Panchgani

Maharashtra - 412805

P: 91-2168-241220

E: kinokino@rediffmail.com

Has done DEA, Pre-doctoral course specialising in film aesthetics from

New Sorbonnne University, Paris and M.Phil. in French cinema from

Paris and Film and Intensive course in Filmmaking from ARSCIPRO,

Paris. For the last six years, she has been teaching Media Awareness

and Communication skills to High School children where the process of

filmmaking is used as a means of exploring values, feelings and reality.

Her recent work includes documentaries in video as well as celluloid

format on subjects related to Indian culture and philosophy. Some of her

films include Looking for a God with River Krishna, Fire on the Mountain,

The Clay Cart amongst others. Currently she is involved in making

World Wars and enquiry. She has also scripted and directed several

street plays with children such as Panchvati, Chauraha, Padhaai Pump,

Lokmat, etc. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Meenakshi Rai

Add: Leoarts Communication

A-103, LGF, Amar Colony

Lajpat Nagar -IV

New Delhi-110 024

P: 91-11-26488898

F: 91-11-26216536

E: raientertainment@yahoo.com

The filmmaker duo of Meenakshi and Vinay Rai is passionate about

creating films of social relevance. Their latest film Kashish won nomination

in San Francisco International Film Festival and First Indo-British Digital

Film Festival. With many nominations and two awards to their credit, the

couple is currently working on their next film Mein Buddha Nahi and

Barish.

Producer, Leoarts Communication. She started out as a camerawoman

and eventually ventured into creating short films on issues of social

relevance. Her independent work includes documentaries on revival

of dying folk arts in Haryana, architecture of tombs and women’s

issues. Her film Love, dealing with a young adult’s perception of love

was screened at the International Conference of Young People in 1999.

Her film Revolution, a tribute to Mother Teresa, was nominated for the

KURZ Short Film Festival, Hamburg. The documentary film Can’t Take It

Anymore! dealing with sexual harassment at work got nominated to the

Mumbai International Film Festival 2002. She also conducts audio-visual

workshops for physically challenged children. ∎

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Mike H. Pandey

Add: Riverbank Studios

C-18, Chirag Enclave

New Delhi - 110 048

P: 91-11-26410684

F: 91-11-26216508, 26216508

E: wildlife@vsnl.com

rvrbanks@giasdl01.vsnl.net.in

W: www.riverbankstudios.com

Mike Pandey is an internationally renowned wildlife filmmaker and

conservationist. Born in Kenya, Mike trained in UK and USA before

returning to India to work in the country of his origin. Has done Diploma in

film Direction and Cinematograpy from The London Film School Euston,

UK, Diploma in Sound Engineering and Special Effects Photography

from The Regent Street Polytechnic London, UK, Specialisation-

Director special Effects, Sound Effects from Universal and MGM Studios

Hollywood, USA. Committed and dedicated to the protection of Indian

wildlife and environment, Mike’s films have always reflected his passion.

In 1994 became the first Asian ever to win the Wild Screen Panda Award

also known as the ‘Green Oscar’ for his film The Last Migration – Wild

elephant Caputre in Sarguja. Six years later his film Shores of Silence

– Whale Sharks in India won him the Green Oscar for a second time.

The film was also instrumental in giving the Whale Shark International

protection. In November 2002, a resolution was passed at the CITES

convention in Santiago, Chile giving the Whale Shark global protection.

Other awards received were The Citta Di Torino at the Cinemambiente

Awards 2001, The 6th Sichuan festival 2001, The honour of Knowledge

Award at Baristlava, Slovakia 2001 and The Cineciencia International

Award 2001

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Wildlife filmmaker and conservationist. He has produced and directed

a wide spectrum of films on natural history and environment and also

educational series for children. He has directed one of India’s most

popular public interest environmental TV series, Earth Matters. In 1994,

he became the first Asian to win the Wildscreen Panda Award, also

known as the Green Oscar, for his film The Last Migration - Wild Elephant

Capture in Sarguja. In 2000, his film Shores of Silence - Whale Sharks in

India, won the Green Oscar for the second time. The film also led to the

ban on the killing of whale sharks on Indian shores. This film also won the

Golden Jury Award -at Worldfest, Houston -2002, 6th Sichuan TV Festival

China - 2001 and Citta Di Torino at the Cinemembiente Awards - 2001.

Honey Hunters of the Blue Mountains won the Mayor of Prague Award at

International FAAF, 2002, Festival International du Film Animalier Albert,

2001 and second prize, Earth Vision, Santa Cruz, USA. The television

series Earth Matters has won four international awards including the

Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Award in England 2002.

Is a member of various organisations such as British Kinematograph

Sound and Television Society, Royal Geographic Society, UK, Television

Trust for the Environment, UK, Film Directors Association of India, Indian

Documentary Producers Association. Is a correspondent in Global T.V.,

USA and Mauritian Television. He is on the panel of Films Division, GOI,

Doordarshan, Department of Audio Visual Productions, GOI, Department

of Tourism, GOI. Is a Member of Jury for Green Oscars; Wildscreen

Panda Awards 2002; 42nd National Film Festival: National Awards for

Feature Films, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; 44th National

Film Festival: National Awards for Feature films, Ministry of I & B. and

Chairman of Technical Committee, International Film Festival 1998/2000.

He has also been in the Steering Committee of Project Elephant, Ministry

of Environment and Forests, GOI. He has also been a Consultant to

various orgnaisations such as York Jamia Mass Communication Research

Centre, Conservation of Indian Wildlife and Educational Films Workshop,

etc. He is a visiting lecturere in Mass Communication Research Centre

(MCRC), Jamia Milia Islamia. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Mita Chandran

Add: Mokshaa, 1st Floor

6-3-248/G, Road No. 1

Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

P: 91-40-23305665

M: 91-36881281

E: mita@mokshaa.com

info@mokshaa.com

W: www.mokshaa.com

Mita Chandra majored in Graphic Design and Film as Medium of Mass

Communication from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Ms. Mita

Chandran started her career in advertising – worked as Copywriter,

Client Servicing Manager and Creative Director. Currently she runs

her own production house called Mokshaa and worked with Infocom

Communications, Calcutta – on Corporate and Documentary Video’s.

Her clients include Macneil and Magor, Orind Refractories, Wesman,

Nippon Denro Ispat, REACH, EZCC, Calcutta. She has worked as a

Script Writer, Director and Producer for several organisations such as

Jain Studios, Calcutta, DiTV, Infocom Communications, Calcutta, Lintas,

Calcutta, ISKCON, Impact Communications, Sunrise Productions, etc.

Her productions include ‘Dhage Prem Ke’ a docudrama for Asian Artists

of Oman, Corporate production for Hindustan Gas (HGI) Aditya Birla

Group. She has also funtioned as Joint Head of Usha Kiron Channel,

Hyderabd. She has also made videos for the AP Tourism Multimedia CD’s

on wildlife, heritage, art, culture, etc. She has also scripted and directed

a documentary on ‘Nirnaya’ (NGO) covering women’s development for

CDC, Hyderabad. Mokshaa is headed by Mita Chandran, an experienced

producer, director and scriptwriter. She has worked with the following:

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Infocom Communications, Calcutta - on Corporate and Documentary

Video’s:

Macneil & Magor, Calcutta

Orind Refractories, Orissa

Wesman, Calcutta

Nippon Denro Ispat, Calcutta

Worthington Pumps, Calcutta

Eastern Zone Cultural Center (EZCC) Calcutta

REACH (School for the mentally & physically challenged), Calcutta,

etc.

Jain Studio’s, Calcutta - as Scriptwriter, Director and

Executive Producer on Corporate and Documentary Video’s:

Nippon Denro Ispat

Tata Tea

Tata Bearings

ITC

ICI

Polar Fans

Department of Woman & Child Welfare (Center)

National Mineral Water Company, Oman

Sweets of Oman, Oman

Peerless Group

Indian Shaving Products (7 ‘O’ Clock blades).

For Jain Studio’s, Calcutta - Script/ Direction:

Kalamandir, Bhubaneswar - TV commercial.

For Shruti Mass Communications:

Indera Textiles - TV commercial.

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For DiTV - as Executive Producer for Doordarshan serials:

Gaan Point - 26 episodes.

Brain Masala - 13 episodes.

Phoshke Galo - 10 episodes.

Adbhut - Pilot episode

For Infocom Communications, Calcutta - Script / Direction:

Indo Flogates - Corporate

For Lintas, Calcutta - Script / Production / Direction:

ea Board Presentation

For ISKON, Calcutta - Executive Producer:

Abhay Charan - Serial on DD1

For Impact Communications, Calcutta - Script:

Garden Reach Shipbuilders - Corporate

For Sunrise Productions, Calcutta - Scripts for:

Metro Plaza - Launch Video

Film music based show - DD Gowahati

For Decibel Audio Visuals, Calcutta - Script/Direction/Production:

ALSOC, Calcutta - Documentary

St. Xavier’s, Calcutta - Documentary

Coal India - Corporate

A. Sirkar - Documentary

Philips India - Marketing Video’s

Philips India - Documentary

Medilink - Multimedia/Documentary

Assam Valley School - Documentary

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Mita Chandran Productions:

‘Dhage Prem Ke’ - Docudrama for Asian Artistes of Oman - sponsored by

Citibank - Telecast on DD National Network

General Telecom, Oman - TV commercial Usha Kiron Television, ETV -

Bangla, Hyderabad- Senior Producer, Ramoji Film City. Functioned as

joint head of the channel. Javelin Mediaworx Ltd, HiTec City, Hyderabad -

Consultant- Head of Film Dept & Project Head on AP Tourism Multimedia

CD’s, and on Naandi Foundation website.

Made the following films: All the video’s for the AP Tourism Multimedia

CD’s on wildlife, heritage, art & culture, food & shopping, places of

worship and Buddhist circuit. AP Tourism video’s for H & F S Awards.

MAA TV launch film. Produced & Directed: Tata Cellular Video for Dealer

conference in Sri Lanka.. Script & Direction:

Documentary on ‘Nirnaya’ (NGO) covering women’s development, for

Center For Development Communication (CDC), Hyderabad.

· Documentary for IMRC on Gujarat riots for fund raising abroad. ∎

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Mitali Dutt Kakar

Add: Reef Watch Marine

Conservation

Priyanka Bldg

50 St. Pauls Road

Bandra (W), Mumbai

P: 91-22-26518223

F: 91-22-26518209

E: reefwatch@usa.net

W: www.reefwatchindia.org

Mitali Dutt Kakar is the founder of Reef Watch an NGO dedicated to

Marine Conservation. Her experience in filmmaking ranges from working

as a Production Assistant with Genesis Film Production Pvt. Ltd to

conducting education awareness, training and research in the field of

marine conservation. She has been associated with making environment

films for quite sometimes now.

Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication and CMAS 2 Scuba

Diving Instructor. She has been nominated as a governing body member

of Wildlife Institute of India by Government of India. She has also started

Offspring, a Film Production House independently doing films for clients

like Pepsi, Britannia, ITC, Nestle, HLL, Blowplast, etc. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Nandan Saxena

Add: Top Quark Productions

C-227, Anand Vihar

Delhi 110 092

P: 91-11-22152787

F: 95120-2490627

M: 91-9810367244

E: nandansaxena@hotmail.com

Nandan Saxena has done Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya

Bhavan, Delhi. He is into Direction, Camera, Editing and Scripting. He is

currently working on a cultural travelogue on the journey to the 1,006-

year-old monastery in the village of Tabo in the Lahaul and Spiti district

of Himachal Pradesh. He has produced and directed a documentary

on the small hydro for the UNDP and the Ministry of Non-Conventional

Energy Sources, Government of India. Produced and directed a film on

River Yamuna for the Ministry of Environment and Forests. His film Agaria:

The Sons of Fire was screened in the National Video Competition at the

Mumbai International Film festival 2000. Has also produced two spots on

Drug De-addictionfor Navajyoti, Delhi Police Foundation. Produced and

directed a 15 minute film on the activities of Akhil Bhartiya Gramin Uthan

Samiti, an NGO in Rajasthan. He has worked as a Producer - Director

for a weekly programme Nature Trail on the human aspect of ecological

questions. Has also produced and directed few programmes for the

communication group such as Chunav Chunauti ‘98, Babu Ji, Simatati

Doorian and Dunkel Aur Hum. ∎

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Naresh Bedi

Add: Bedi Films

E-19, Rajouri Garden

New Delhi

P: 91-11-25439939, 25441864

25440950

F: 91-11-25430850

M: 91-9811051086, 9811195721

E: bedifilms@vsnl.com

bedifilms@touchtelindia.com

Naresh Bedi worked as a freelance cameraperson for numerous

documentaries and features for leading broadcasters and production

houses the world over. Is a director and cameraman. Graduated in

Motion Picture Photography from the FTII Pune in 1969 with a gold

medal for the best all round student and awarded Silver Medal for best

photographed diploma film.

Besides his specialized field of Indian Natural History, he has also

worked on a wide spectrum of subjects – culture and religion, agriculture

and astrology, architecture and anthropology. He has also worked as

a B unit camera on some of the famous Box office productions. He

has received 11 awards and citations for the films he photographed,

produced and directed. His awards include Best Wildlife Cameraman at

International Wildlife Film and Television Festival Wildscreen 1984 for The

Ganges Gharial and a nomination for British Academy Awards for Saving

the Tiger/ Man Eating Tigers in 1987. His film Rhino The Indian Unicorn,

Gir Lion The last Refuge, Arrival of the Olive Ridleys were nominated in

Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival in the category of wildlife conservation.

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Naresh and Rajesh Bedi have worked together as filmamkers and

photographers for over 30 years. They have travelled to the remotest

corners of India to produce pictorial books and films on the cultural and

natural heritage of the country. They established their firm Bedi Brothers

in 1970 and nurtured it to become one of the leading producers of world

class documentaries. Naresh Bedi has received acclaim for films on the

gharial, elephant and tigers which have been shown at prime time by

major TV networks of the world. Their work has been awarded nationally

and internationally many times. Naresh won the Panda or the Green

Oscar for Best wildlife cameraman at the International wildlife film and

television festival of New york in 1985 for his film The Ganges Gharial.

Their two tiger films were nominated for the British Academy Awards in

1987. Rajesh was adjudged the wildlife photograher of the year 1986 in

a worldwide competition in England. Rajesh was the cinematographer

of a hour long film on the Child Prostitutes for a Canadian Broadcasting

Corporation which was awarded the world’s highest television award the

Emmy’.

Naresh and Rajesh Bedi inherited their love for nature from their father

Dr. Ramesh Bedi, a noted scholar of Indian medicinal plants. Th brothers

took naturally to filmmakking and photography so that they could bring

the splendor of India’s wildernesses into people’s homes. Naresh Bedi

studies filmmaking at Asia’s foremost film and television Institute of India

at Pune while Rajesh Bedi excelled as a self-taught photographer. Both

brothers have attained eminence in their chosen field. Their wildlife

photos and footage while spreading a strong conservation message

have also made significant contributions to the subcontinent’s natural

history. The Bedi Brothers have risked their lives several times to achieve

these goals. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Nikhil J. Alva

Add: Miditech Pvt. Ltd

B-59, Greater Kailash - I

New Delhi

P: 91-11-26284778-84

F: 91-11-26282190

E: nikhil@miditech.org

W: www.miditech.org

Nikhil Alva, with his brother Niret Alva, in 1992 set up Miditech, a production

house that specializes in environment and travel programming. One of

this earliest successes as a producer was his film Living on the Edge,

India’s first comprehensive environment series that ran continuously for

5 years and also won three awards: The Pinnacle, a national award; as

the Best Information Series which is an international award - the Green

Oscar, the Panda Award atWildscreen, in 1996 and the Silver Tree Award

for Best Environment series in Vatavaran 2002. He directed and scripted

The Lions of Gir which won a Special Jury Award at Vatavaran 2002 film

festival. After winning accolades for travel shows like the Great Escape

telecast on a number of international networks around the globe, and

presenting and directiong some episodes of Off the Beaten Path, that

featured adventure in lesser known regions of India, Nikhil was ready to

plunge into an area he is passionate about - natural history film-making.

He directed and scripted The Lions of Gir a 52-minute film on the last

surviving Asiatic lions in the forests of Gir in western India. Nikhil spent 2

years researching and filmming the project in the forests of Gir. The film

shot on 16 mm, captures the fight for survival that is played out each day

between lions and Maladhari tribe’s people. Distributed worldwide by

Granada International, Lions of Gir has been sold to Singapore, Spain,

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Portugal, Korea, Scadinavia, Discovery Channel, etc. This film also won

the Special Jury Award at Vatavaran 2002, India’s largest environment

film festival. It was also a finalist at Wildscreen 2002, Bristol, UK and

has been screened at several national and international film festivals.

He won a commission under the Reel Talent Category of the NGC-EDB

project that aimed at identifying new talent in Asia and directed Operation

Hot Pursuit, the half hour film on the illegal ivory trade in Asia. Besides

television, Nikhil is also passionate about music and pistol shooting.

Producers, directors and anchors for television serials and programmes

on environment, natural history, travel and adventure, the two brothers

set up their production house, Miditech in 1992. Living on the Edge,

India’s first comprehensive environment series, ran continuously for five

years on Doordarshan and Star Plus and won them the Green Oscar in

1996 and the Silver Tree Award at the Vatavaran environment film festival

in 2002. It also won the national award, Pinnacle, for the best information

series. Their automotive show Wheels received the Asian Television

Award. The Lions of Gir, a 52-minute film on the last surviving Asiatic lions,

was researched, scripted, produced and directed by the two brothers

and was distributed round the world by Granada International. It won a

special jury award at Vatavaran 2002 and was nominated for Wildscreen

2002. Miditech also produces RAAAh (Zee, India’s first reality game show),

Commandos for BBC World. It also produced special reports on India

for CNN’s Gary Strieker, BBC’s Earth Report and National Geographic’s

One World, One Weather. When Nikhil and Niret setup Miditech in 1992,

their vision was to produce hard hitting programs on environmental and

social issues, travel and culture in India and a series on the fast emerging

segment - infotainment. One of the earliest successes as a producer for

Nikhil was “Living on the Edge”, India’s first comprehensive environment

series. Shot in remote parts of the Indian sub-continent as well as in parts

of South East Asia, it featured environmental issues as well as threats to

wildlife. A popular and critically acclaimed show, the first of its kind on

the Indian television, “Living on the Edge” went on to win The Pinnacle

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Awards as the Best Information Series, the “Green Oscar” or the Panda

Award at Wildscreen in 1996. “Living on the Edge” also won the Silver

Tree Award for Best Environment series at Vataavaran 2002. After winning

accolades for travel shows like “The Great Escape” telecast on a number

of international networks around the globe, and presenting and directing

some episodes of “Off the Beaten Path”, featuring adventure in lesser

known regions of India, Nikhil was ready to plunge into an area he is

passionate about - natural history film-making. He directed and scripted

“The Lions of Gir” a 52-minute film on the last surviving asiatic lions in

the forests of Gir in western India. The film, shot on 16 mm, captures

the fight for survival played out each day between lions and Maladhari

tribe’s people. “Lions of Gir” won a Special Jury Award at Vatavaran

2002, India’s largest environment film festival. The film was a finalist at

Wildscreen 2002, Bristol, UK and has been screened at several national

and international film festivals.

Nikhil directed India’s first adventure reality game show “R.A.A.A.H”

for Zee TV. The series pitched five married couples against each other

in extreme terrain. With a crew about 80 strong on location, “RAAAH”

was one of the largest productions on Indian television. The leap from

adventure - reality to fiction did not take long. Miditech produced a show

“Kabhi Biwi Kabhi Jasoos”, the story of a house wife metamorphosing

into an Indian version of Miss Marple, albeit a fashionable one, for Sony

TV. “Saara Akaash”, currently on Star Plus, is one of the most popular

serials. “Saara Akaash” is the first fictional look on Indian Airforce.

Miditech’s youth oriented shows such as “Bakra”, “Record Tod”,”Bum

Mein Dum”, and “Roadies”, on MTV, have created their own following

among the young and the restless. ”Bum Mein Dum” was highly

commended as the most Innovative Program in it’s category at the Asian

Television Awards.

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Nikhil directed and co-scripted “Operation Hot Pursuit’, a half hour film

on the illegal ivory trade in Asia for National Geographic Channel.

A recent Miditech production, “The Great Descent” documented an

international team of professional river runners on a ten day expedition

down the unexplored Brahmaputra.The fifty two minute film recently won

the award for Best Editing and was Highly Commended for Best Direction

at The Asian Television Awards, 2003. Nikhil’s latest production is Hum

2 Hai na, a daily on Sony Entertainment Television, that tells the story of

two girls Kareena and Koel and their love for music. ∎

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Nina Subramani

Add: Elephant Corridor Films

# 13, South Park Appts

Kalkaji, New Delhi-110 019

P: 91-11-35001859, 33469961

M: 91-9810331301, 9811007797

E: mail@elephantcorridor.org

W: www.elephantcorridor.org

Nina Subramani a graduate in Zoology, has for nearly 14 years worked

with the Student Sea Turtle Conservation Network in Chennai. Later

she received a masters degree in Film and television from Jamia

Millia Islamia University. Today she is committed to making films on

environmental and development issues. Her films include Kalpavriksha

– Legacy of the Forests, on medicinal plants and Two People One

Movement comparing peoples’ movements in Europe and India. She

along with her partner Rajani Mani has set up Elephant Corridor Films in

2001 which is committed towards making films such as environment and

public health, wildlife and natural resource management, development

issues and matters of public policy. Her first independent production ‘

IN God’s Own Country’ was nominated for the 10th Annual Raindance

Film Festival, at the Pennsylvania documentary film festival 2002 and

also in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival, New Delhi. Nina’s early childhood

was spent on the Chennai coast where she was actively involved with

the Student Sea Turtle Conservation Network for more than 10 years.

Later she got a Masters degree in Film and Television from New Delhi’s

Jamia Millia University. Her first directorial venture “Kalpavriksha, Legacy

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of the Forests” is a film on medicinal plants commissioned by UNESCO.

She also directed Khamoshi Kyon, a talk show on AIDS-related issues

for the National Network, as well as Terra Quiz, an environmental quiz

programme produced by TERI. She was one of 12 Indians selected to

participate in an environment documentary workshop by the Thomson

Foundation, Wales in 1999. This resulted in a film ‘Two Peoples One

Movement’ a documentary comparing peoples ’ movements in Europe

and India. ∎

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P. Baburaj

Add: ALCOM or

Third Eye Communications

101, NF Garden, NF Gate

Tripunithura, Kerala - 682301

P: 91-484-2784333

P. Baburaj has been associated since 1982 with Alternative

Communications Forum (ALCOM), a filmmakers’ collective involved in

producing videos and films on various issues. He co-scripted Ilayum

Mullum (Leaves & Thorns), a Malayalam feature film directed by K. P.

Sasi, which was screened at fourteen International festivals. An outside

programme producer for C-DIT Trivandrum. Recent film is Candles in

the Wind on the Gujarati Earth Quake. His ‘Chaliyar…The Final Struggle’

co-directed with C. Saratchandran, received a Special Mention in the

MIFF 2000 and Bronze Tree Award in “Vatavaran 2002”. ∎

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P. Balan

Add: Aumpu Media trust /

sivani Creations

c/o.Sukrutham Magazin

pothole road trichur

Ernakulam Kerala

P: 91-484-784510

F: 91-484-781075

E: adityabala@satyam.net.in

P. Balan, during his college days was drawn into environmental issues

as part of a campaign against felling of trees on campus in which he

assumed a leadership role. He also became deeply involved with the

filmsociety movement in the state through which he gained acquaintance

with the film medium. In 1989 he joined All India Radio as a trasmission

executive and has since produced over a hundred programmes on

social and environmental issues, three of which have won national

awards and six merit certificates. Initiated by him, the ANMPU Media

Trust was formed in 1995 at Trissur by a small group of like-minded

individuals with the objective of exploring alternative media practices

including production of documentaries and organizing the screening of

serious films –classics and documentaries & shorts- on human rights/

environmental/other social issues in campuses and even remote villages

to promote awareness. Has won several awards for his film such as

Aanpoovu [male flower] won Honorary Jury Mention at the Oberhausen

International Documentary Film Festival in 1997; Kerala State Television

Award for the Best Documentary 2001. This film was also selected in

7 international film festivals and screened in several major international

universities as port of the Film south Asia Programme. Melavalavu-beta/28

mts/prod. ISS, New Delhi. The 18th elephant was selected & screened

in the International category of the Mumbai International Documentary &

Short Film Festival 2002. ∎

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Prabhu Jhingran

Add: Doordarshan Kendra

Director

24 Ashok Mark

Lucknow - 611414

P: 91-11-2205752

F: 91-11-2287268

M: 91-9839012884

Prabhu Jhingran is a Director with Prasar Bharati, Doordarshan Kendra,

Lucknow. Has participated in various training programmes and involved

in journalist activities. Has written more than 550 articles, interviews,

comments, features and reports published in different newspapers,

magazines and periodicals. U.P. Hindi Sansthan awarded his book titled

Doordarshan published in 1996 and Television ki Duniya was awarded

the best book of the year in Journalism category by Hindi Sansthan,

Govternment of U.P. Awarded as Best Story Writer of the University

(B.H.U.) in 1970-71.

Participated in more than 25 drama shows as stage decorator, art director

and actor. Produced and directed various documentaries like 30 minutes

documentaries on Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, Pt. Gobind Vallabh,

Rashtrakavi Pt. Madav Shukla for national telecast as outside producer

using facilities from Lucknow Doordarshan, etc.

Awarded in Feb 99 the Paryavaran Mitra award by the U.P. Government.

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Pradeep Nair

Add: Film Buff Productions

Vasanthi Mandiram

Olesha P.O., Kottayam

Kerala -686014

P: 91-481-516261

E: pradeepnairfb@rediffmail.com

Pradeep Nair, a member in Indian Documentary Producers Association

has done Post Graduate Diploma in communication and Journalism,

Kerala Press Academy, Kochi and Film Appreciation Course from Film

& Television Institute of India (F.T.I.I.), Pune. He has got 5 Years of

experience in Print Media. Worked as Sub- Editor / Correspondent in

a Malayalam Language daily. Edited Art, Literary and Film pages from

1990 - 1995. Working in the field of Film and T.V. Production from 1995-

2001. He has scripted and directed films like Man vs Nature The Struggle

Eternal a documentary film on landslides in high ranges of Kerala. This

film participated and screened in various International and National Film

Festivals like 5th Mumbai International Film festival for documentaries

and short films in March 1998, entered in Prakriti 98 festival of Indian

documentaries on environment, human rights and development. It was

also screened in International festival of video and telefilms organised

by SOORYA in September 1998. He has also worked on films on AIDS,

Street Children, etc. ∎

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Pradip Saha

Add: Centre for Science &

Environment

41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area

New Delhi - 110 062

P: 91-11-29955124; 29956110

29956394

F: 91-11-29955879/5870

E: cse@cseindia.org

psaha@cseindia.org

Pradip Saha has mostly worked on visual media, as photographer,

graphic designer till 2002, then became the Managing Editor of Down

to Earth Magazine. He has made few videos on issues of environment

and development with a special focus on water issues. He designed

exhibitions on water in World Water Forum in The Hague. Some

of the Films produced and directed by him includes Bandits and the

Backhanders (2000), Arvari: The Miracle River (2000), Smog Inc (1998),

Life Under Wildlife (1998) and Spirits of Forest (1998). His film Waterworks

India: Four Engineers and a Manager (1998) has been widely screened

in India and abroad like at the 10th International Rainwater Catchment

Systems Conference ‘Rainwater International 2001’ at Mannheim,

Germany and at Second World Water Forum in Hague in March 2000.

National and international television channels including Doordarshan

National and German Television Station have used stories and video

footages of this film. 250 copies of his film have been sold to various

NGOs, corporate sector, schools, colleges and universities, etc. this film

also won the Second Best Documentary’ award in the category of Theme

of the Festival ‘Water’ in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival. ∎

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Pramod & Neelima Mathur

Add: B-27, (1st floor)

Nizamuddin East

New Delhi 110013

P: 91-11-24354927

F: 91-11-24357928

E: mathur@del2.vsnl.net.in

Producer/director, researcher and script writer, respectively, for Spotfilms.

They have been running this news and features agency for TV channels

in India for the last three decades. Their main areas of production are

ethnographic and current affairs programmes for Doordarshan, India,

ZDF and Transtel, Germany. They also make developmental programmes

for the institutional sector in India and abroad. Their clients include

USAID India, The Policy Project and Population Reference Bureau,

Washington DC, Tata Energy Research Institute and National Literacy

Mission, New Delhi. Among their better known productions are Pulse of

a Nation on the changing dynamics of population related issues in India;

On the Fence on the Chipko movement of the Himalayas; Terraview -- a

series on environment and energy issues in India; Parivartan -- campaign

spots on literacy; The Idus on a Mongloid tribe in Arunachal Pradesh in

north-east India; The Silent One on urban slum and The Invisible One on

tribal girl child. The Mathurs have recently set up a trust, Foundation for

Responsible Media (FORM), to support informative and developmental

television production. ∎

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Prashant Sareen

Add: Small Screen

5/7, Basement

Sarva Priya Vihar

New Delhi - 110 016

P: 91-11-24355941

F: 91-11-24353825

E: prashant@small-screen.com

Prasahant Sareen is the co-founder and director of Small Screen. He

was the Senior Executive Producer, Sony Entertainment Television.

He also worked as the Producer of Newstrack, India’s premier current

affairs programme. Directed and scripted a 30 minute documentary on

the issue of water scarcity in Rajasthan for PSBT. Directed and scripted

over 20 corporate film since Small Screen was founded. Co-produced

Chadar a documentary for India’s national television channel on a winter

trade route in Zanskar. Prashant was the Senior Executive Producer,

Sony Entertainment Television. He also worked, as the Producer of

Newstrack, India’s premier current affairs programme produced for the

Star Plus Channel. Produced Pilot programmes for CNN Asia and BBC

World. Received Best Travel Documentary award in Spring Fest 2000,

eveo.com, San Francisco and received a Special Jury Mention at the

Okinawa Film Festival, Japan for film Chadar. ∎

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Prashant Shashikant Kulkarni

Add: Audio Visual Centre

Yashwantrao Chauhan Maharashtra

Open University

Dhyan Gangotri

Near Gangapur Dam, Nashik

P: 91-11-2231481, 2231714, 15

F: 91-11-2231716

E: pskulkarni8@yahoo.co.in

W: www.ycmou.com

Prashant Shashikant Kulkarni is a Producer- Cameraman at Audio Video

Centre of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik

since 1992. He has produced about 50 video programmes related

to every aspesct of life in various types of presentation techniques.

He received award for Overall Best Educational Video Programme

Production at University Grants Commissions Annual Video Festival held

at Ahmedabad in 1994. His deep interests are in the areas of wildlife,

nature and art related video programmes.

Previously was in the service of Educational Media Research Centre

as Freelance Cameraman at University of Poona, since 1987.

Hasdone Diploma in Journalism and Masters Degree in Educational

Communication. ∎

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Rakesh Sharma

Add: 401/ 26, Om Chaitanya

POPCO, Versova

Mumbai - 400061

P: 91-22-26301582

M: 91-9820353103

E: actindia@vsnl.com

rakesh_film@yahoo.com

Mr. Rakesh Sharma, an eminent filmmaker, had been involved in film

making since 1986. He went into making independent documentary

filmmaking from 2001 onwards.

He has been associated with numerous film and television channels

like the Doordarshan as a Consultant on air presentation and Channel

Design; ZEE Gold (Zee USA) on Channel Design; Vijay TV as Consultant

Programming, Channel ops, etc., and Star Plus (India) as their

Network Executive Producer/ Head, etc. He was also into Freelance TV

newsgathering.

His work has been felicitated with numerous awards like Robert

Falherty prize at the Pennsylvania Film Festival (2002), Le Prix De la

Presse Politique award for the best documentary film at 16th Fribourg

International Film Festival (Switzerland), John Michaels memorial award

for best documentary in Big Muddy film festival USA amongst others.

Best Documentary (feature length) at Big mini DV Film Festival (USA),

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Earth vision Award, Earth vision filmfest 2003 (Japan), Special Jury

Award, Ecocinema 2002 (Greece, Sept 2002), Jury Citation/Mention at

Black International Cinema Fest (Germany), Jury Citation/Mention at

Earthvision 2002 (U.S.A.) and Certificato Di Merito Bronzo, 12th Prix,

Leonardo, Italy (2003).

The director Rakesh Sharma has worked extensively in film and television

since 1985. He works as a consultant for broadcasting channels in the

areas of programming, on-air presentation and live television. ∎

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Ram S. Pejawar

Add: Peajawar and Pejawar

A1/7, Dattaprasad Apartments

10th Main, Malleswaram

Bangalore - 560003

P: 91-80-3348429

F: 91-80-3348429

E: pejawar@vsnl.com

Has produced various films such as Katha Vyakti - a programme for

children entered in international Children’s film festival, entered in Asian

Broadcaster’s Union Meet, Refugee of the millennium a wildlife film on

the Asian Elephant entered in Vatavaran 2002 Film Festival.

Has produced several films on wildlife such as Running Wild, Running

Free, a programme for kids on animals and nature in 87 which was well

received in schools. Harakke a children’s Film on live animal sacrifices

on DD Bangalore and Refugee of the Millenium a wildlife film on the

Asian Elephant highlighting the man-elephant conflict in Karnataka. A

film on Developing a Media Strategy for Karnataka forest department. A

website for the wildlife division of Karnataka Forest Department. ∎

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Ramesh Menon

Add: 35-D, Nilgiri-1

Sector - 34,

Noida - 201 303

P: 95120-2506089, 2506210

M: 91-9811633769

E: ramesh@teri.res.in

rameshmenon100@rediffmail.com

Ramesh Menon, Director of Global Warning! presently working with TERI

has 25 years of media experience and has produced scores of television

programmes dealing with current affairs in India. His film Taj Mahal-Not a

Love Story produced for the World Bank has been to numerous festivals.

He has scripted numerous documentaries and produced environmental

shows for Indian television. Has authored a book Caste & Communal

Time Bomb on communal violence in Gujarat, India. Has produced news

documentary on earthquake victims in Latur., India, dealing with the

psychological trauma they are battling with. His film “Global Warning!”

deals with “how climate change is going to be the greatest challenge for

man in the years to come and what can be done about it” was nominated

in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival.

He has worked for newspapers, magazines, television and the new media.

He was an Associate Editor of India Today and Executive Producer with

Business India, Television, TV Today and Sahara TV. He is working on

film that deals with pesticide poisoning in India and writing a novel on the

twists in contemporary India life. ∎

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Ranu Ghosh

Add: UV-08-03A

1050/1 Survey Park

Kolkata- 700075

P: 91-33-24169568

E: ranughosh@vsnl.net

Working in both celluloid and video formats, she has produced,

directed, researched and done camera work for films on environment

and women’s issues. She has directed, researched and produced films

for foreign television companies also. The documentary on Arranged

Marriages in India, produced by Dominant_7 was for French Television.

She did the camera work for the documentary From Calcutta with Love,

on experimental dancing for Australian Television, Mass Marriage System

in India for National Geographic channel, Mukti Sangramey Bangla

-Mujibnagar Parba on Bangladesh liberation struggle for the Bangladesh

Foundation for Development Research. For Reuter Television she has

produced a film on Women Activities in World Bank Projects in Eastern

India. The film was shown at the Beijing Women’s Conference in 1995.

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Romulus Earl Whitaker

Add: Draco Films

P.O. Box-21, Chengalpattu

Tamil Nadu-603001

P: 91-4114-29195

E: draco@vsnl.com

Romulus Earl Whitaker was born in New York City on 23rd May 1943

and is Naturalised Indian. Schooling from Kodaikanal School, South

India in the year 1960, has studied Wildlife Management from University

of Wyoming in USA in 1962 and further he completed his Bachelors in

Wildlife Management from Pacific Western University in the year 1986.

He also has received many awards for his commitment for saving the

wildlife. Till now he has received Award for conservation Merit from

world Wildlife Fund for Nature (International) in the year 1983. In 1984,

he received Rolex Award for Enterprise in Switzerland and then in 1985

he received the Order of the Golden Ark at the Netherlands. in 1986, he

got Peter Scott Award (IUCN) with Zai Whitaker in U.K.. and in 1991 he

got Ashoka Foundation Fellowship in India/USA. He has directed many

Documentaries on Wildlife and such as Irulas, Hunter-Gatherers in the

Space Age, Periyar, Banking on Crodiles, Snakebite, A Cooperative For

Snake Cathers, Seeds For Hope, The Boy and the Crocodile, Silver Valley,

Rat Wars, Treasured Island, Keralensis, King Cobra, Spunky Monkey,

Croc Man, Croc Crusader, Thunder Dragon, Snake Hunter, Snake

Hunter-Costa Rica and Mugger Crocodiles of Sri Lanka. Romulus Earl

Whitaker was born in New York City on 23rd May 1943 and is Naturalized

Indian. Schooling from Kodaikanal School, South India in the year 1960,

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has studied Wildlife Management from University of Wyoming in USA in

1962 and further he completed his Bachelors in Wildlife Management

from Pacific Western University in the year 1986. He also has received

many awards for his commitment for saving the wildlife. Till date he has

received award for conservation merit from World Wildlife Fund for Nature

(International) in 1983. In 1984, he received Rolex Award for Enterprise

in Switzerland bagged the Order of the Golden Ark at the Netherlands in

1986. He was also awarded Peter Scott Award (IUCN) with Zai Whitaker in

U.K and he received Ashoka Foundation Fellowship in India/USA, in the

year 1991. He has directed many documentaries to name a few Hunter-

Gatherers in the Space Age, Periyar, Banking on Crocodiles, Snakebite,

A Cooperative for Snake Catchers, Seeds of Hope, The Boy and the

Crocodile, Silent Valley, Rat Wars, Treasured Islands, Croc Man, Croc

Crusader, Thunder Dragon, Snake Hunter, Snake Hunter-Costa Rica and

Mugger Crocodiles of Sri Lanka. He has been the member of various

organisations such as Honorary Consultant to International Union for

th e Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources/ Species Survival

Commission (IUCN/SSC), Member, Advisory Committee, Bombay

Natural History Society, etc. ∎

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Sagari Chhabra

Add: B-5/19 Safdarjung Enclave

New Delhi 24

P: 91-11-24617424

F: 91-11-26160279

E: soch@vsnl.com

Writer and film-maker, primarily on social issues. Her films include Tatva

(Essence), a fiction film about a woman in search of her self, which won

the national award (Rajat Kamal). Now, I Will Speak, a film on rape,

was given the Award of Excellence for production & direction, by the

International Association of Women in Radio & Television, Manila. Global

Warming, a film on environment, received the United Nation’s World

Food Day award. Her other films include Brides Are Not For Burning

on domestic violence, Asli Azaadi (True Freedom) on the contribution of

India’s women freedom fighters. The film was very well received at the

Golden Gate Festival, San Francisco, and the Norwegian Film festival.

With a post-graduate degree in communications from Washington

State University, she writes for the Times of India. Hindustan Times,

Mainstream and Pioneer on social and developmental issues. Sagari

also writes poetry and has authored The Professional Woman’s Dreams.

A social activist, she is founder member of SOCH - Social Organisation

for Change. ∎

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Sandesh V Kadur

Add: 503, 4th Main

6th Cross, Kengeri Satellite Town

Bangalore

P: 91-80-8483828

F: 91-80-6602909

M: 91-9845031131

E: svkadur@gorgassciencefoundation.org

svkadur@yahoo.com

Since completing his degree in Wildlife Biology Sandesh Kadur has

spent most of his time working on wildlife documentaries in countries

as diverse as Mexico and India on subjects ranging from sea turtles

to elephants. He works for the Gorgas Science Foundation based in

Brownsville, Texas. He has received awards like Gold REMI award for

Creative Excellence by Houston Worldfest in 2003, Finalist in South by

Southwest Film Festival, Austin, Texas in 2003. Nominated as finalist in

Wildscreen 2002 for the BBC Newcomer of the Year award, has received

Merit Award for Cinematography in International Wildlife film festival in

2002. Sahyadris: Mountains of the Monsoon was shot over a period of

four years by Sandesh Kadur and was awarded the Special Mention

of the Jury Award in the category of Wildlife Conservation in Vatavaran

2003 Film Festival. This film was also screened at University of Texas,

Brownsville and at BBC Wildscreen Film Festival, Bristol, UK. ∎

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Sanjay Barnela

Add: Moving Images

D-3/3425, Vasant Kunj

New Delhi 110 070

P: 91-11-26124317

F: 91-11-26601751

M: 91-9818299212

E: moving@vsnl.com

W: www.movingimagesindia.com

Sanjay Barnela is a part of a Delhi-based production team with interests

in the environment and development. He has worked on a range of

issues from the politics of shepherds accessing grazing pastures in the

Himalayas, to the complexities of adopting renewable energy and cost-

effective construction technologies. Over the past decade, the team has

produced a number of films, which have been screened at national and

international film festivals apart from being telecast on televsion. Some

of his better known productions include: Turf Wars, Tales from the Indian

Countryside, The Elusive Mountain, Pastoral Politics and Vidyalayam.

In addition to this, Sanjay is among the very few filmmakers who has

specialized in high altitude filming, having filmed mountaineering climbs

at altitudes above 20,000 ft. in the Himalayas. ∎

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Sanjay Kak

Add: Octave Communications Pvt. Ltd

C-4/4048, Vasant Kunj

New Delhi 110070

P: 91-11-26893893

M: 91-9811229952

E: octave@vsnl.com

An independent documentary film-maker. His recent film In the Forest

Hangs a Bridge received the Golden Lotus for the best documentary

film at the 1999 National Film Awards and the Asian Gaze Award at

the Pusan Short Film Festival, Korea. His recent works include One

Weapon (1997), a video film about democracy in the 50th year of Indian

independence, and Harvest of Rain (1995), made in association with

the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi. In 1986, he helped

found Octave Communication, a New Delhi-based production company.

His work for television includes the travelogue, Pradaskshina: Journey

Down the Ganga (1985-86) He also did news documentaries in Hindi for

Doordarshan between 1985 and 1987. These include Punjab: Doosra

Adhyaya and Kiski Ganga?. His films on the theme of migration, looking

at people of Indian origin in the fringers of the cityof London (This Land,

My Land, Eng-Land! 1993) and in post-apartheid South Africa (A House

and a Home 1993) have been widely screened at documentary festivals.

He has also produced and directed Cambodia: Angkor Remebered

(1990), a reflection on the monument and its place in Khmer society. His

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early training in film was as writer/ researcher on a shoe-string black and

white popular science series for Indian televison. His first independent

documentary Kinnaur Ke Log (The people of Kinnaur, 1983), was an

account of a year in the life of a Himalayn shepherd boy, followed by

Savdhan! Bacche Khel Rahe Hain about the remedial uses of drama

in therapy of disabled children. His video Geli Mitti (The Wet Earth),

was awarded the Silver Lotus at the 1985 National Film Awards in India.

His documentary film “Words on Water” on Rivers was awarded ‘Second

Best Documentary’ in the category of Theme of the Festival ‘Water’. ∎

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Sanjay Maharishi

Add: FA-338, Mansarovar Gardens

New Delhi 110015

P: 91-11-5534890, 5437230, 5431627

E: sanketproductions@yahoo.com

Sanjay Maharishi is Cameraman and Director. He has made films like

Aruvacode Diary on rehabilitation of child prostitutes, Of Water and Words

on traditional water harvesting system and the their role in meeting the

demand for water in Rajasthan. He has also made Shor. ∎

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Sanjay Mohan

Add: Abhaya, 82

Bodheswaran Road

Behind Police Camp

Nandavanam, Trivandrum

Kerala - 695033

P: 91-471- 2321940, 471-3094700

M: 91-9846032194

E: srimohan@vsnl.com

W: http://education.vsnl.com/chaliyar

Sanjay Mohan has produced and directed several documentaries. He now

works as a Producer with Surya TV, Sun Network’s Malayalam Channel.

His areas of interest are Current Affairs, Women’s Issues and Environment.

His work includes films like ‘Shanker - The Patriarch of Indian Cartoons’,

‘Monsoons - The Life Line of India’, ‘Endless Days of Silent Suffering’ and

‘Daivathinte Nattil’, etc. His documentary film ‘Unquiet Flows the Chaliyar

was awarded the Best of the Festival in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival. It

was aslo in the competitive section of 16th Okomedia Internationa Film

Festival, Freiburg Germany, 6th International Film Festival, Mumbai, and

screened at the European Touring Film Festival, Indian Centre, Cologne,

Germany, The British Council, Trivandrum and various other places. ∎

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Satyen Wanchoo

Add: Avifauna films

E-122, II Floor

Greater Kailash II

New Delhi

P: 91-11-51639318/19

F: 91-11-51639318

M: 91-9811178881

E: avifauna@mantraonline.com

W: www.keti.org

Satyen Wanchoo is a private producer, who has specialized in

documentary filmmaking on nature conservation and the environment.

He has filmed on a wide range of subjects, from habitat destruction to the

threats posed by climatic change and the development of environment

friendly solutions and technologies. He has nearly 300 short films on

environment and wildlife to his credit. And has the experience in filming

in diverse environments spanning the length and breadth of the country

from the cold deserts of Ladakh to the lush evergreen forests of Kerala.

One of the films directed by him is Lime Buildings Breath on shared

sacred sites and communities that are sited in Gurdaspur District,

Punjab. This film was screened at various places such as the British

Council, Victoria, Albert Museum in London, etc. He has contributed

regularly to nature and conservation journals like Hornbill published by

the Bombay Natural History Society. He has directed and produced a

half an hour documentary film along with a series of shorter feeder films

on the SDWRML project carried out by the Loktak development Authority

in partnership with Wetlands International South Asia with support from

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the India Canada Environment Facility on the Loktak Lake in Manipur.

Directed and produced a half an hour documentary film on “Project

Water” which is an attempt in the management of wastewater based on

a system of duckweed and fishponds developed by Xavier Institute of

Management Bhubaneshwar (XIMB) in partnership with CIFA. Directed

and produced a half an hour documentary film on the project ‘EIRA’

carried out in the Chindwara district of Madhya Pradesh and the Amravati

district of Maharashtra by Indian Potash Limited. He has also worked

as a Special Correspondent, Producer with NDTV. Kullu Eco-tourism

Initiative (KETI) has been formed by him to promote Ecotourism as a tool

to foster the local economy in an around the Greater Himalayan National

Park in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and created a website i.e.

www.keti.org for greater access and information on the area.

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Saumya Sen

Add: LEAPFROG

A-14, Gulmohar Park

New Delhi - 110 049

M: 91-9811154329

E: leapfrog.india@lycos.com

nandita.das@vsnl.com

Saumya was Creative Director at Ogilvy & Mather, New Delhi, India’s

second largest advertising agency, and a member of the worldwide

WPP Group. Apart from winning acclaim at numerous Indian Advertising

Award Shows, Saumya has to his credit two Silvers at the Asia Ad Fest,

and finalist status at the One Show Awards in New York. The New York

Festivals and the Clio Awards. His work on the Pulse Polio programme

remains his favourite and most awarded. Saumya has recently set up

an organization called LEAPFROG – a platform for creative artistes

and communication professionals. It also seeks to contribute towards

the communication needs of the development sector in partnership

with NGOs. Its maiden venture is championing the cuase of Rainwater

Harvesting in association with Centre for Science and Environment. Has

produced a 90 second TV Spot on rainwater harvesting which has been

aired on national television and was awarded the ‘Best documentary’ in

the category of ‘Pubic Service Message’ in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival.

Saumya with Leapfrog, intends to work on diverse social issues through

public service advertising, innovative television programming and small

budged issue-based feature films. He also wishes to contribute towards

developing the nascent arena of Corporate Social Responsibility. His

projects include work related to HIV/AIDS, femal foetecide, education

and children. ∎

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Seema Muralidhara

Add: Beacon Television

Wing A-1/Flat 103

Siddharth Nagar Building

No. 5, CHS Ltd.

Opposite Dheeraj Savera

Mumbai - 400 066

P: 91-22-56764990

F: 91-22-28845978

E: murali2@bol.net.in

Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism, Basic Course in TV Production,

Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and Advanced Course in

TV production from Central Production Centre, New Delhi. Seema

Muralidhara has worked as a Director-Producer, and also on concept

and script of programmes such as Earth Charmers, Nobody Lies in a

Temple, The Living Past, Aap Ki Shanti, Maa Tujhe Salam, Humre P.M. Ji,

Adarniya Pradhan Mantri, Apni Dharti, Apne Log, etc. She has directed

and produced several programmes for channels like ZEE Network,

Doordarshan, etc. Their TV series Earth Charmers on organic farming

was awarded Bronze Tree in India’s first National Film Festival on Wildlife

and Environment titled Vatavaran 2002.Earth Charmers was screened at

Zanzibar International Film Festival 2002, Tanzania. Screen Panasonic

nominee for Best TV Programme Hum Zameen, 1994, Onida Awards

nominee for Best Environment Programme Hum Zameen, 1995. Dinaman

award for investigative news report on prison conditions in India.

She has also worked as a Journalist for Times of India and News

Correspondent for Doordarshan, Mumbai. ∎

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Senani

Add: No. 1, 12th Cross

V.V. Mohalla, Mysore

Karnataka

P: 91-821-2519211

E: senani@sancharnet.in

Mr. Krupakar and Mr. Senani are a duo of wildlife photographers /

filmmakers who have worked in the Western Ghats for over 20 years,

under the name Krupakar Senani. Their photographs have been published

in a number of wildlife magazines both in India and abroad. Such as

Nature History Magazine, People, BBC Wildlife and London Times. More

than 35 photo-essays on natural history have been published in local

languages in leading magazines in India since 1985. They have worked

as consultants and cameraperson to a number of international television

producers, apart from producing 12 wildlife documentaries for local

television such as BBC, Channel 4, Discovery and National Geographic

Television Channels. They have been actively involved in social and

conservation activities in Karnataka. Alongside, for the past eight years,

they are doing an intensive study of pack dynamics of the Asiatic wild

dog in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Their Short film productions include

‘Forgotten Villages’, ‘Glimpses of the Wilderness’, ‘Finding the Link’,

‘Taming of a River’, etc. Their publications include ‘Forgotten Villages’,

‘Valley of Bamboos’, ‘Nature’s Masterpiece: the elephant’, ‘Notes form

the Wild: An Information Guide to National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

of Karnataka’, ‘Nagarhole’, etc. They have received Sahitya Academy

Award, Karnataka’s highest literary award in 1999. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Shankar Chandra

Add: E6 Films

B24 Malcha Marg

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi- 110 021

M: 91-9810234289

Fax: 91-11-25472283

E: shankat@e6photography.com

Is a Filmmaker and Cinematographer. He is director of E6 Films.

After completing his Masters in Mass Communication from the Mass

Communication Research Center, Jamia Millia Islamia, Shankar Chandra

cut his teeth as a cameraperson working with TV18 and worked on a

wide variety of programmes including Automobiles, Lifestyles, Game

shows and news to name a few. Fascinated by animals he realized he

wanted to work with them. Miditech seemed to offer a solution, given the

companies profile; While working with them he got an opportunity to work

on documentaries for the for the UN and the National Geographic. Later

he set up his own company and worked on a number of films on subjects

such as traditional healers in a modern society, watershed management

in Rajasthan and sex workers and their fight for self-determination. The

latter was critically acclaimed at the International AIDS Conference

2002, held in Barcelona. His film In Defence of the Golden Mahseer that

seeks to document the privately driven river fauna conservation effort

participated in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival. ∎

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Shekar Dattatri

Add: Plot No. 40

Door No. II, 3rd East Street

Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai

P: 91-11-24415744

F: 91-11-24914802

E: dattatri@vsnl.com

Shekar Dattatri has had a lifelong fascination with wildlife. At the age of

thirteen he began work as a part-time volunteer at the famous Madras

Snake Park. An abiding interest in wildlife led to photography. After gaining

a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology he began an informal apprenticeship

with a documentary filmmaker. Shekhar Dattatri’s association with film

making dates back to the eighties. His first documentary A Cooperative

for Snake Catchers won him the National Award for Best Scientific

film. His next three documentaries were all National Award winners.

That was the beginning amongst the list of awards he has won as a

filmmaker, which included National Award for the Best Agricultural Film

for Seeds of Hope. After shooting, directing and producing several short

environmental/ wildlife documentaries for Indian Television, he along with

his colleagues made a documentary ‘Silent Valley - An Indian Rainforest’.

This film won several National and International awards such as National

Award for Best Film on Ecology and Environment, National Award for

Best Cinematography, Special Jury award Jackson Hole Festival, Citta

de Sondrio Award, Italy, Best Nature Film, Earthvision Festival Japan. He

also received Special Jury Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival,

Montana, USA, Arlette Vincent Prize, Valvert International Wildlife Film

Festival, and Brussels for the film Nagarhole – Tales from an Indian Jungle.

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This film has also won Special Mention of the Jury Award in the category

of Wildlife Conservation in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival. His film Ridley’s

Last Stand was awarded for Conservation Advocacy by the International

Wildlife Film Festival, Montana, USA, 2003 and also Golden Tree Award

of Rs. 1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh Only) for the Best Documentary in

the category of Natural Resources Conservation in Vatavaran 2003 Film

Festival. Shekar’s commitment to environmental awareness through the

media of film and video has been a strong motivating factor in continuing

in this tough and, sometimes, uncertain profession. Many of his films

have been translated into Indian languages for the benefit of vast non-

English speaking audiences. He has worked with many of world’s

leading broadcasters of wildlife doucmentaries including the Discovery

channel, National Geographic Television and BBC Natural History Unite.

As a result of an independent survey conducted by U.K. Trade Magazine

‘Television Business International’ in 1998, Shekar Dattatri was rated

among the top ten ‘rising stars’ of wildlife filmmaking in the world. He

was also awarded an Inlaks Scholarship which enabled him to work with

Oxford Scientific Films in U.K. ∎

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Shiv Painuli *

Add: TV-Giridoot, 82

Krishan Nagar

Dehradhun- 248001

Uttaranchal 248001

P: 91-135-754157

F: 91-135-759466

E: spainuli@yahoo.com

Started his career in films with the production of a 16 mm regional Garhwali

film titled Rami. He has done certificate course in camera and editing from New

Delhi. He is renowned still photographer from the hill region of Uttaranchal,

India. His photographs and transparencies have been published in various

magazines from time to time. He has also created audio visual, VHS films of

different aspects of Central Himalayas. He has more than 60 documentaries

and short films directed and produced by him. He bagged an International Film

Award in the 7th International Adventure Film Festival 1995. He is on the panel

of Department of Tourism and Enviroment, Government of U.P. Worked as a

consultant Advisor for adventure tourism (for the Director General Tourism-U.P.).

Surveyed and prepared report on prospecting of cultural adventure tourism

in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Worked as a consultant advisor for

adventure tourism for the Director General Tourism, Uttaranchal. Surveyed

and made report on prospecting of cultural, adventure tourism I Uttaranchal.

Member in Panel of Advertising publicity and film making in (a) Department of

Tourism, Uttaranchal. (b) Department of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh (c) Department

of Environment, Uttar Pradesh. Training- Certificate course for Camera and video

editing from New Delhi. Assisted First Garhwali Regional Film “Rami” in 16 mm.

During late 70’s (which was not screened). Worked as writer for an adventure

TV-serial. Worked as scriptwriter for documentary films. Worked as equipment

supporter for feature film” Guddu” in Hindi (supply of flying equipment and

Pilots for sports theme shots), worked as a cameraman. ∎

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Shri Prakash

Add: Kritika Production, 30

Randhir Pd. Street

Upper Bazaar, Ranchi, Jharkhand

P: 91-651-2317461

E: kritikashri@yahoo.com

kritikashri@hotmail.com

W: www.jadugoda.net/

Mr. Shriprakash’s association with filmmaking has been for over a decade.

During this phase he has worked under the capacity of cameraman, director

as well as scriptwriter. His directed film Buddha Weeps in Jadugoda, on

Environmental and Health hazards of uranium mining in Jadugoda, (East

Singhbhum) has won the Grand Prize in the Earth Vision Film Festival,

Tokyo, 2000, Best Film Award in the Thunder Bird Film Festival, USA, 2001,

Second Best Film Award, in the Earth Vision Film Festival, USA 2001, Third

Prize in Film South Asia, 1999. It has participated in numerous film festivals

such as Mumbai International Film Festival 2000, Hongkong Film Festival

2000, Vermond Film Festival, USA 2001, Thunder Birds Film Festival USA

2001 where it was awarded the Best Film Award, International Film Festival,

Istanbul - 2001, United Nation Association Film Festival, USA 2000. It was also

broadcasted by NHK - Japan; Free Speech TV, USA. His film Buddha Weeps

in Jadugoda and The Fire Within participated in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival,

New Delhi. His work includes ‘Kis Ka Raksh?’, a film on issues surrounding

the Netarhat Field Firing Range whch was screened at theInternational Video

Film Festival, Thiruvanthapuram, 1997 and Video Film Festival, Buenos Arias,

1995; ‘Another Revolt’, a film exploring the pros and cons of the proposed

Koel Karo Hydel Project where he worked as Cameraman, director and

scriptwriter was also screend at the Mumbai International Film Festival in

1996 and Video Film Festival at Buenos Arias in 1996. ∎

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Siddharth Kak

Add: Cinema Vision India

501, Adarsh Nagar

M.H.B Colony

Jogeshwari (W), Mumbai

P: 91-22-26365946/26320739

F: 91-22-26366642

E: cvi@indiasurabhi.com

W: www.indiasurabhi.com

Siddharth Kak is a documentary filmmaker, producer, director, presenter,

and writer. He is the Executive Trustee of Surabhi Foundation for Research

and Cultural Exchange. Cinema Vision India is an independent company

producing non-fiction and corporate films and audio-visuals since 1980

and is winner of Three National Awards and several television awards for

programming. Worked as an actor in feature films and television series.

Worked as a Journalist in 1970. Published Cinema Vision India, India’s

first professional cinema quarterly. He writes regular columns in Bombay

Times, Times of India and Indian Express. He is the producer of Surabhi,

Longest running cultural magazine series on national television which

received award for most outstanding television series, screen panasonic

award for Best series and uptron award for the best series. It was also

featured in Limca Book of Records for highest measured viewership of any

TV programme in India. Is the producer of Bhoomi, an environmental series

for national television in association with the Ministry of Environment and

Forests, currently on air. Has also produced Wisdom of India a series of 12

films that deals with the cultural, intellectual and spiritual heritage of India. A

formative series that seeks to collate, collect and present the accumulated

wisdom of 5000 years of Indian Civilization for Ministry of External Affairs,

Government of India. Everest ‘84 was produced him which is the complete

story of India’s historic expedition to Mt. Everest. Apart from being nationally

telecast, the film won a National award for best adventure film. ∎

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Simanti Dhuru

Add: 2nd Floor, 27

Lokmanya Tilak Colony Marg

No.2, Dadar (East)

Mumbai 400014

P: 91-22-414 3782

F: 91-22-414 2946

E: simantin@vsnl.com

Has produced A Nnarmada Diary Participated in various film festivals

like Earth vision Global Environmental film festival, Tokyo, Japan, 1995;

Amnesty international Film Fest. Amsterdam, 1996; National video

fest, Kerala, India, 1995 and Film south Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal, 1997.

Awards received are The Golden Award, Earth vision, Japan, 1995; The

Filmfare critic’s Award For best Documentary 1996 and Second Prize,

national vedio Fest. Kerala, India 1995. ∎

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Snehasis Das

Add: The Mine Labour Protection

Campaign, MLPC

396-C Road, Sardarpura

Jodhpur, Rajasthan - 342003

P: 91-291-2441672

F: 91-291-742495

E: mlpc_campaign@hotmail.com

Interest for human development, environmental science and special

interest in making documentary films. PG Diploma in Journalism from

Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. Has also been associated with Down to Earth.

Mr. Snehasis Das, director of Shadow of Taj has worked for several

documentary films on social issues and environmental aspects in

several subjects like Lali’s World for UNDP, Water is our Life for Ministry

of Water Resources, six promotional films on sanitation, Hope Again on

Orissa Super Cyclone and Letter to Ma for UNDP, on IT’s role in rural

development and several others His film Shadow of Taj had participated

in Vatavaran 2003 Film Festival. Has also worked in six promotional films

on sanitation for WHO, etc. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Sudhir A. Aggarwal

Add: C-1/58 S.D.A

New Delhi 110016

P: 91-11-6519343

M: 91-9810261508

E: Zudir@vsnl.com

Mr. Sudhir Aggarwal has done Professional Training from BPM-TV,

Berlin. He has mostly produced short films on environmental issues like

solid waste, water, etc. Some of the programmes produced by him are

Terraview, a Spot film for Tata Energy Research Institute broadcasted

on Young Asia Television, Environment initiatives, a Short film for Young

Asia Television, Environment film, a short film for Tata Energy Research

Institute, Cactus people, a short film, Chadar, Travel feature for DD1,

Several Features for Young Asia Television telecasted on various channels

all over Asia, Environment film, a short film for Auroville Greenwork

Resource Canter, Terraview for DD1, White lies, Plastic Truths for Ministry

of Environment and Forests, New Delhi. His directed documentary film

“The Story of Mendha” on the self-rule initiative of a tribal village was

finalist at the Moondance 2002 film festival USA. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Suman Ganguli

Add: 87, Saraswati Kunj

25, Patparganj, I. P. Extension

Delhi - 110092

P: 91-11-22476033, 2721490

E: entecave@hotmail.com

readsuman@hotmail.com

A 31-year-old Commerce Graduate and diploma holder in Direction and

Editing, Suman is a born actor but turned to professional Direction and

Editing only in 1993. His works span a wide spectrum of issues including

militancy, tribal ethnography, child labour and a host of other social issues.

Today, he heads a production unit: ENTECAVE. Empanelled Producer

with Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, Director, Editor of Aashiana Films, Guest

Faculty of Institute of Video and Film Editing, Guest Performer Indian

Mime Theatre, Associated with Ministry of Tribal Affairs, WHO, Misintry

of I & B, Ministry of Labour. As a director he has directed serials such as

Aaina for Zee TV , Khiladi and various other serials on social issues. He

has also directed Shapath - a 28 minute film on anti-smoking funded by

World Health Organisation, Raaz a film on use of Iodized salt in villages

for Ministry of Health. Has also directed few ad and corporate films.

His directed documentary ‘Uttaranchal Ke Tharu’ a two episode series

on the ethnography of a primitive tribe Tharu in Uttaranchal and Yeh

Paani Anmol - a success story on Watershed Development in India. As

Chief Assistant Director he has directed Maat Ka Saya a tele-film on anti

smoking funded by WHO. His film From Birth to Salvation was nominated

in the category of Theme of the Festival ‘Water for Life’ in Vatavaran 2003

Film Festival. ∎

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Sunil Shanbag

Add: Chrysalis Films

Armaan, 23, Saraswati Road

Santa Cruz (West)

Mumbai

P: 91-22-26601181, 26603294

F: 91-22-26600588

E: chrysalis@vsnl.net

Sunil Shanbag, is a theatre producer and director, television writer and

producer. Sunil Shanbag has worked extensively for television since

1985 developing program concepts, researching, producing programs,

films and series. He has been one of the brains behind some path

breaking serials like Bharat Ek Khoj and Surabhi. He has been the winner

of the National Award in 1994 for Best Non-Fiction Film titled Maihar

Raag. Has wrote and co-directed Ek Kahani, for national television which

received the RAPA award for Best Director of a series. In 1993 went into

independent production and produced films such as Maihar Raag (1993)

which was the winner in 1994 National Awards for Best Non fiction film

and best use of sound. ∎

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Supriyo Sen

Add: 11/44, Nagendranath Road

Kolkata - 700028

P: 91-33-5507319

E: avp@cal3.vsnl.net.in

Supriyo Sen completed Masters Degree in Journalism from leading

University of Calcutta and got himself involved as a freelance journalist

with several leading dailies in Calcutta. His love for audio-visual media

kept him close to the medium of films for several years. He also joined

a diploma course of film appreciation by ‘Chitrabani’, audio-visual wing

of St. Xavier’s Calcutta to get technical and aesthetic know-how. From

his early childhood days Supriyo was actively involved in the radical

student movement and in 1994 formed a group of media activists called

Perspective and completed a 54 minutes documentary film “Wait Until

Death” on genocide caused by a stone-crushing factory near Calcutta.

The film got overwhelming response. His film “The Nest” about a

lone battle of a tribal family to save migratory birds won “Silver Lotus”

(National Award) for the best film on environment and conservation in

India in 2000. It also got the BFJA (Bengal Film Journalist Association

Award) for the best documentary in 2000 and also was selected for

the Indian Panorama 2000-2001. He also received the prestigious “Jan

Vrijman Fund” on the basis of a world-wide competition of scripts from

the International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam for his film

Way Back Home”. He also writes about documentary films in different

film magazines of Calcutta other than making films. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Susan Sharma

Add: Indian Wildlife Club.com

C-2490, Sushant Lok

Phase I, Gurgaon 122002

P: 95124 - 5045330/331

M: 91-9810027546

E: susan_sharma@hotmail.com

W: www.indianwildlifeclub.com

Dr. Susan Sharma, Ph.D (IITD) is adapting the latest information technology

tools to spread awareness about nature and wildlife. She runs a website

called IndianWildlifeClub.com, which has an expanding user base of nature

lovers as members. Her digital videos are self-financed. Her film Sarang –

The Peacock was screened at the International Film Festival held in Mumbai

in Feb 2000 and was telecasted in Mumbai Doordarshan in October 99.

Her film Corbett with Love was screened at the Delhi International film

festival, was also selected at IDPA awards function. This film makes a subtle

statement through Subedar Ali, the mahout who was attacked by a tiger

and spent a year in hospital recovering from a torn scalp but his love for the

tiger makes him return to his job as a mahout in the same forest. Her film

‘Wilderness Nepal’ looks at he natural history of Himalayan region. It projects

the community forests concept in Nepal which has proved a success in

maintaining the wetland area of twenty thousand lakes. Dr. Sharma is also

the founder of a website called IndianWildlifeClub.com which is an interactive

online club to spread awareness about wildlife conservation. Dr. (Mrs.) Susan

Sharma chose documentary film making as a second career, after seeking

voluntary retirement from State Bank of India. She received her doctorate in

Management Information Systems from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Dr. Sharma has been a nature lover and took up wildlife videography as a

hobby. She learnt music on the violin and music has been the real motivation

to plan a series of documentaries connecting music with Indian wildlife. ∎

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Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Syed Fayaz

Add: Syed Fayaz

Executive Producer

RGB Films, B-2/40, 2nd Floor

Safdarjung Enclave

New Delhi - 110 029

P: 91-11-26101307

M: 91-9810738452

E: fayazrizvi@yahoo.com

Syed Fayaz had done PostGraduate level course in International Broadcast

Journalism at Thomson Foundation and his training included working with BBD

Wales - United Kingdom. Syed Fayaz has worked as a Freelancer from October

2000 till date. He has worked as a correspondent for Aaj Ki Baat on Star Plus

Channel. Has also directed Snow-Capped Oblivion - The Shahtoosh Saga, a

documentary film on Tibetan Antelope called Chiru, for WWF-International, New

Delhi. Had directed and produced a short film named A Ray of Hope on children

in Jammu and Kashmir for Rajiv Gandhi Foundation/UNICEF, New Delhi. He is

currently working as a line producer for the Ultimate Machine Combat from India

to be televised on Discovery Channel and Channel 4 (United Kingdom). He has

also directed and produced a short film Tender Hopes on children of conflict

in Jammu and Kashmir. This film was screened in Chandigarh as an opener

for the seminar. He has worked as a Line Producer for Wildlife Crime File a

documentary on illegal Shahtoosh trades and it was part of a 13 episodes series

for Discovery Channel and Animal Planet Television Channel. He has earlier

worked as a Reporter in Sahara India Television, New Delhi and has provided

research for possibly first ever single shot film As the River Flows, shot on steady-

cam JR. The film was screened in Mumbai International Video Festival. Syed

Fayaz has received British Chevening Scholarship Broadcast Journalist 2000.

His directed film A Brush with Death on Mongoose for Wildlife Trust of India was

jointly awarded the Golden Tree Award of Rs. 1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh Only)

for ‘Best Documentary’ in the category of Wildlife Conservation in Vatavaran 2003

Film Festival. ∎

Page 104

102

Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Umesh Aggarwal

Add: News & Entertainment Television

994, 1st Floor

Laxmi Commercial Complex

Nehru Road, Arjun Nagar

Kotla Mubarakpur, New Delhi

P: 91-11-24644494/24658384

F: 91-11-24631408

M: 91-9811026734

E: net-20@rediffmail.com

netv@mantraonline.com

Producer Umesh Aggarwal has 18 years of experience in the Indian

Television Industry. Produced and directed numerous programmes with

over 4000 episodes and has 2500 hours of programming to his credit.

NET was launched in 1994 and was marked for its speed and efficiency.

Has produced Heads and Tails a half hour animal show in English and

Hindi presented by noted activist Ms. Maneka Gandhi on DD-1 and

DD-2. Has produced New Horizons - a five minute environment capsule

in English on DD1 in the year 1995. He has also produced biographical

films on the three Prime Ministers of India - Mr. H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr.

I.K. Gujaral and Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee. Has also prepared a half-hour

obituary in English on Mother Teresa called Mother: A Tribute, which was

telecast internationally through Doordarshan’s National Network. Has

also produced variojs programmes which have been telecast on DD1,

DD International and Zee TV. NET has received Hero Honda ITA Award

2002 for Kiran, a daily show on DD National Network. Kiran is a 5 minute

Hindi programme on philanthropic efforts by individuals telecast on DD

national network (550 episodes). ∎

Page 105

103

Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Vijendra Patil

Add: Bars and Tone Television Pvt. Ltd.

17, Sarvadarshan

Nal Stop Chowk, Karve Road

Opp. Saraswat Co - operative Bank

Pune

P: 91-20-5444750, 5443309, 9822016842

F: 91-20-5439790

E: vppatil@vsnl.com

Has done B.Sc (applied) in Software Techniques of educational television

production from University of Pune. Has worked as a Cameraman,

Producer and Director. He is presntly working as one of the directors for

Bars and Tone Television, Pune. Has been associated with many national

and international institutes like National Institute of Ocenaography,

Goa; Department of Ocean Development, Delhi, Central Bee Research

Institute, Pune, C-DAC, BBC and many others. He has directed more

than 100 video films since 1985 - especially on science and technology,

ecology, wildlife and social issues. He has been closely associated with

BBC Open University, UK and worked for their few projects such as on

NEEM and Renewable Energy Sources. Some of his films include, The

Changing Nature of a Wetland, Sacred Groves, Frog Aestivation and

Securing India’s Future, On the Trail of the National Biodiversity Strategy

and Action Plan have been widely acclaimed and have won many

awards. He has won Best Educational TV programme award at the U.

G. C. national competition in 1991 and 1993, SONY ICD award in 1991,

Technical excellence awards at UGC national video competition in 1991,

1993, 1994. Received T.C.T. award from British Council in 1991. ∎

Page 106

104

Directory of Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers

Vinay Rai

Add: Leoarts Communication

A-103, LGF, Amar Colony

Lajpat Nagar -IV

New Delhi -110 024

P: 91-11-26488898

E: raientertainment@yahoo.com

The filmmaker Vinay Rai is passionate about creating films of social

relevance. His film Kashish won nomination in San Francisco

International Film Festival and First Indo-British Digital Film Festival. With

many nominations and two awards to his credit, is currently working on

his next film Mein Buddha Nahi and Barish. Cartoonist, animator and

director, Leoarts Communication. He has been working in the media for

the last eight years. He has done animations for several programmes

for television and created TV spots for the Directorate of Audio Visual

Publicity, MTNL, IGNOU and NCERT. Three of his animation films have

been screened at the International Congress of Young People in 1995,

1997, 1999 and the Mumbai International Film Festival in 1996, 1998

and 2000. His film Life, created in thread animation, was screened at

Grand Canaria Film Festival 2000. Associated with the British Council, he

conducts animation workshops for children. ∎

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