Mumbai, March 2023: Whistling Woods International (WWI) has always carved its reputation for excellence in film, communication, and creative arts education. The testament holds true as several WWI alumni are creating their mark in the media and entertainment industry. The latest moment of pride is the achievement of Anand Bansal and Aikeshwar Chaudhary, alumni of WWI. They have worked in the capacity of a Cinematographer and Associate Editor, respectively for the film. The Elephant Whisperers directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and co-produced by Guneet Monga, was awarded as the ‘Best Documentary Short Film’ at the 95th Academy Awards, making up for a proud moment for all the Indians, including the faculty, students, and staff at WWI.
Speaking about the achievement, Anand Bansal said, “It’s an overwhelming feeling and it feels like a dream. What mattered the most is that we made this film, with all our hearts and absolute honesty.” “Whistling Woods International has immensely contributed and played a crucial role in helping me embark on my journey of what it entails to be in the world of cinema”, he further said.
Aikeshwar Chaudhary shared, “”I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be a vital part of the team that brought home the OSCAR for the Best Short Documentary. This win is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity of every single person involved in bringing this project to life. I would also like to thank Whistling Woods International for providing me with the skills and resources I needed to be a part of this OSCAR-winning documentary. Without the education, guidance, and support of my teachers and mentors, I would not have been able to contribute to this project in the way that I did.”
Congratulating the alumni, Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman, WWI said, “My heartiest congratulations to our alumni, Anand Bansal & Aikeshwar Chaudhary for their contribution to this film. This achievement has made all of us proud and I wish they keep soaring high throughout their journey.”
“We are so proud of our alumni. They both have contributed in several ways to one of the most emotional, yet intriguing story marvelled by the audiences worldwide. Congratulations to both of them and the entire team of the short documentary film on this well-deserved win”, said Meghna Ghai Puri, President, WWI.
WWI is grateful to the industry, who has always supported our young students from WWI and we are certain that our alumni will soar with illustrious achievements in their respective fields.
About Whistling Woods International
Whistling Woods International (WWI) is Asia’s premier Film, Communication and Creative Arts Institute. Founded by one of India’s leading filmmakers – Subhash Ghai, WWI is one of the largest and best media institutes in the country. ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ has rated Whistling Woods International as one of the Ten Best Film Schools in the world. The institute was also awarded Excellence in Creative & Performing Arts at the 6th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards 2019. WWI offer programmes that vary in duration from 1 year to 4 years catering to all major verticals of the Media & Entertainment industry, namely Acting, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Producing, Production Design, Screenwriting, Sound Recording & Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Game Design, Media Management, Fashion Design, Music Production & Composition, Visual Communication Design, Event Management and Sports & Esports Management. All the programmes are offered under an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), an institute of national importance.
For more information, please contact:
Rishi Basu | +91 77389 20559 | rishi.frangipani@gmail.com
