Documentary on elephant-human conflict makes waves in IFFI (India)

Timesnow.tv

November 25, 2008

"People and critics have appreciated the film," he said of his "A Friend Turned Foe", which has a scene of a tusker heard going on the rampage in rural Assam and at times killing human beings and often destroying the houses. 

The documentary is being shown in the Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2008.

According to Saikia, man-elephant conflict is here to stay with massive deforestation going on.

"The conflict arises after both man and elephant turn violent even destroying one another's life and properties. Human population worldwide is expanding and natural habitats of animal are shrinking incessantly," Saikia said. The problem is not just Assam-centric. This has been happening almost all over the nation including Goa, he said.

Saikia, who is known to spent his days in wildlife just for a perfect shot and an accurate time, has caught in the film the wild tuskers ruining villages, destroying houses and subsequently villagers countering back with violent attack. 

"Through the film I am trying to built up a concept, as to whom it is to be blamed for such  differences since both man and elephant once lived in a friendly atmosphere," he said.

The filmmaker feels that the conflict will take alarming proportions if adequate measure are not taken. Saikia during his career has produced films like "Elephant Festival 2004" and "Animal Welfare in Kaziranga" among others. His "Jaws of Death" was the opening film of Indian Panorama in IFFI 2005.