‘Daroji’ is a short educational film for children, introducing them to wildlife, specifically those from in and around Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Karnataka, India. 

Bindu, a female Indian Sloth Bear, tells the story of different families, including her own, and shares a friendly note with her audience, suggesting that man and animal can co-exist in harmony.

This film, co-sponsored by the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) and JSW, was made to be screened at the new Nature Interpretation Centre in Kamalapura, situated adjacent to KFD’s nature camp. The interpretation centre aims to create awareness about nature and wildlife not just amongst the visitors to the sanctuary, but also the local people, especially children. 

We would like to thank Mr. Takhat Singh Ranawat, DFO, Bellary, for his support and inputs, Mr. Vijay Mohan Raj, CCF, Belgaum, for mentoring and guiding us with the story, Dr. SK Arun, Honorary Wildlife Warden, Bellary, for his help and archival footage, and Mr. Pompayya Malemath for on field guiding and logistics support. We thank the staff of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, JLR Hampi and everyone who helped us in creating this short film.

At the time of writing this note, ‘Daroji’ has been officially selected to be screened at the 33rd annual Kid Film Festival, Dallas, Texas, and the 4th annual Animal Film Festival at the Little Children’s Theater, Centre for the Arts in Grass Valley, California.