Big Social Nomad

Nature´s great masterpiece, the elephant, is facing extinction due to human development. “Big Social Nomad” tells us the story about the asian elephant population. In a continent where human population has grown to extremes and development is exploding, India is the country housing half of the asian elephant population. However, in a country with 1,2 billion people, co-existing is not an easy task.

Due to the British colonisation vast tracks of land were converted into tea plantations. Today in these regions human-elephant conflict is severe. Due to human encroachment on forest lands, elephants are being squeezed further and further into their habitats.
Due to their size and their life patterns - as big social nomads - they eat and they move to let the forest regenerate. When passing from one forest to another they follow certain paths which they have used since millenia. These narrows strips, called corridors, are vital for elephants to pass from one forest to another. Same corridors are often occupied by people living on them.

“Big Social Nomad” presents the threats elephants are facing in modern India of today. It poses crucial questions of what needs and what can be done to stop this negative trend from happening. It also offers an insight into the complex issue of who land should belong to.
India, with all its multidimensional culture, is today the hub for the wild elephants. Though the threat to their survival is apparent, there is also much hope to be found in the country. A hope deeply rooted in Indian society, among people who nurture a profound love for this animal.

I have always felt a great love and passion for this amazing creature and in 2018 I felt I should contribute with my knowledge to help in the cause of elephants. My wish is that the message of the film will travel the world, touch people´s hearts so that we all gather hands to help save the Asian elephants.