"My Otter Diary"
All3Media International has partnered with Oxford Scientific Films and Aranya Parva Creations to bring the beautiful and heartwarming documentary "My Otter Diary" (1 x 1 hour) to the global market. Shot over five years, "My Otter Diary" follows wildlife filmmaker Sugandhi Gadadhar as she explores the playful and resilient lives of an otter family residing in one of India’s most rapidly changing waterways, the Cauvery River (also known as the Kaveri River).
"My Otter Diary" was filmed, narrated, and directed by Sugandhi Gadadhar. The producer was Raghunath “Rana” Belur (Aranya Parva Creations). Executive Producers for Oxford Scientific Films are Caroline Hawkins and Helen Conlan – the show is produced in association with All3Media International. The documentary is commissioned by Arte.
The picturesque banks of the Cauvery are where Sugandhi spent her childhood holidays. The memories of those times and her fleeting glimpses of the mysterious animals dipping below the waterline have fascinated her ever since. Now, she is back and, with the help of Shivu, a local fisherman, is following Maya, a female otter, and her family in the hope of documenting their family dynamics, challenges, and achievements. But the otters are wary of her presence. They have learned that staying elusive means staying alive.
Shivu grew up along the banks of the Cauvery River. He not only helps Sugandhi navigate the waters but also opens her eyes to the lives of fishermen and the problems they face. As one of the most sacred and significant rivers in southern India, the Cauvery is worshipped as a goddess in the Hindu tradition. Winding through rich agricultural lands, temples, and forests, it provides water, food, and spiritual sustenance to millions. Yet, the river is under siege—from rapid development, waste discharge, and unsustainable fishing practices.
As pollution and destructive dynamite fishing threaten the delicate balance of their habitat, the otters and the fishermen, whose livelihoods also depend on the river, are often in conflict. Sugandhi Gadadhar is a National Geographic Explorer, a wildlife filmmaker, and a freelance wildlife cinematographer. She is a Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow, a National Geographic Field Ready graduate, and a member of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group. "My Otter Diary" is available through global partner All3Media International.
Rachel Job, SVP Unscripted Content at All3Media International, highlighted the way the film was conceived: "Otters have long captivated viewers around the world, so we are delighted to partner with brilliant teams at Oxford Scientific Films and Aranya Parva Creations to take "My Otter Diary" to a global audience. Renowned documentary maker Sugandhi Gadadhar has created a beautifully made, richly detailed and intimate film that is heart-warming, hilarious, and heartbreaking in equal measure, whilst also delivering a powerful message about the delicate balance between humans and the natural world," commented.
Finally, Caroline Hawkins, Creative Director at Oxford Scientific Films, considers the result a privilege: ‘Sugandhi and Rana’s skill and patience has been rewarded in this beautiful, insightful film. It has been a privilege and a delight for us at Oxford Scientific Films to bring it to a global audience through our partnership with All3Media International," stated.
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