Bengaluru :
Braving mating tigers, crocodiles in water, bison moving around huge trees and pythons slithering on grass, a team of wildlife enthusiasts from Bengaluru have captured the beautiful flora and fauna of the Bhadra tiger reserve.
The Unsung is the first documentary film on the forest spread across Chikmagalur and Shivamogga, which was declared the country’s 25th tiger reserve in 1998.
According to Prashanth S Nayaka, director and team leader, the 37-minute documentary narrates an untold story of a silent movement deep inside one of the most pristine jungles of Karnataka. “Besides showcasing the untainted beauty of Bhadra, the film follows the footsteps of forest guards who protect the reserve with dedication and passion.”
The team members are Pradip Shastry, CJ Anil, Hulivan Nagaraj, Prashanth Nageshappa, Vinod Reddy, Sharath and Chethan.
“It was tough making a movie covering 500 sqkm of forest. We started our work in October 2013 and completed it in May 2014. We worked for nearly 122 days shooting, facing tigers and elephants deep inside the jungle. We had to shoot at night for several days. Usually, tigers moved at nights as they are nocturnal. There were snakes on our way also. We saw an Indian rock python, bears, gaurs and many other animals,” says Prashanth.
The documentary has also captured the beautiful streams, rivulets, waterfalls, thick clouds, humming of birds, bamboo and teak trees that thrive under the watchful eyes of the forest department.
The original name of the area was Jaagara valley, but changed to Bhadra wildlife reserve in 1974.
Today, 36 anti-poaching camps protect the tiger reserve, with jeeps patrolling day and night and forest watchers covering nearly 15 km on foot. “Once, I noticed a tiger at very close range. I did not know what to do. I just stood still and stared at it for five minutes. It quietly left,” recalls Govindaraj, watcher, anti-poaching camp.
The film has commentary in English (Pradeep Shastry) and Kannada (Prakash Kumar). The music has been composed by C J Anil.
According to Prashanth, the film aims to create awareness among public about the need to protect forests and animals. “We have not taken money from anyone for the project. The team members pooled in money and spent nearly Rs 1.5 lakh. We plan to screen the documentary in schools and colleges. The intention is to convey the message that guarding forests is as important as guarding our nation.”
QUOTE
They have done a nice documentary on the problems faced by frontline staff in forests. The focus of the film is different from what one generally does. They have brought out a CD and we are ready to distribute copies in schools and colleges. It is a fine attempt.
—Vinay Luthra | principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), karnataka
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Environment> Flora & Fauna / GS Kumar, TNN / November 09th, 2014