Sangita Iyer

Sangita Iyer is a multifaceted Indian-born Canadian filmmaker, journalist, and author, renowned for her unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly for Asian elephants. As the founding executive director and president of the Voice for Asian Elephants Society, established in two thousand sixteen, she has dedicated her efforts to safeguarding both wild and captive elephants in India.

Her debut documentary, Gods in Shackles, sheds light on the harrowing treatment of captive elephants in Kerala. This impactful film has garnered international recognition, being nominated for its poignant portrayal of the suffering endured by these majestic creatures during festivals. It has been showcased at the United Nations General Assembly and featured at the International Film Festival of India, earning over a dozen awards from various international film festivals.

In addition to her filmmaking, Iyer is a published author. Her recent book, Gods in Shackles - What Elephants Can Teach us About Empathy, Resilience and Freedom, quickly ascended to the top of the Amazon Best Seller list following its release on February eighth, two thousand twenty-two. This work reflects her deep understanding of the emotional and social complexities of elephants.

As a National Geographic explorer, Iyer has also produced a compelling twenty-six-part short documentary series focused on Asian elephants, utilizing the storytelling award from the National Geographic Society to enhance her narrative.