All3Media International Picks Up My Otter Diary

All3Media International has picked up the rights to distribute Oxford Scientific Films and Aranya Parva Creations’ My Otter Diary globally.

Shot over five years, the one-hour documentary follows wildlife filmmaker Sugandhi Gadadhar as she explores the lives of an otter family living in one of India’s most rapidly changing waterways, the Cauvery River. Gadadhar focuses on female otter Maya and her family to document their family dynamics, challenges and achievements.

Shivu, a local fisherman who grew up along the banks of the Cauvery River, helps Gadadhar navigate the waters and opens her eyes to the live of the fishermen and the problems they face. The Cauvery is worshipped as a goddess in the Hindu tradition and provides water, food and spiritual sustenance to millions, but the river is at risk from rapid development, waste discharge and unsustainable fishing practices. Pollution and dynamite fishing threaten the balance of the otters’ habitat, and the fishermen and the otters are often in conflict.

My Otter Diary was filmed, narrated and directed by Gadadhar, who is a National Geographic Explorer and a Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow. The documentary is produced by Raghunath “Rana” Belur of Aranya Parva Creations. Executive producers for Oxford Scientific Films were Caroline Hawkins and Helen Conlan. The original commissioner was ARTE.

“Otters have long captivated viewers around the world, so we are delighted to partner with brilliant teams at Oxford Scientific Films and Aranya Parva Creations to take My Otter Diary to a global audience,” said Rachel Job, senior VP of unscripted content at All3Media International. “Renowned documentary-maker Sugandhi Gadadhar has created a beautifully made, richly detailed and intimate film that is heartwarming, hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure, while also delivering a powerful message about the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.”

Caroline Hawkins, creative director of Oxford Scientific Films, commented, “Sugandhi and Rana’s skill and patience has been rewarded in this beautiful, insightful film. It has been a privilege and a delight for us at Oxford Scientific Films to bring it to a global audience through our partnership with All3Media International.”

Gadadhar added, “It is a little-known fact that otters exist in India, yet an otter is to a river what a tiger is to a forest. They are the apex predators in the river. The otters and the fishermen have given me a window into their lives, showing me both the beauty and the plight of the Cauvery River. It has been a rich and fun experience working with Oxford Scientific Films and All3Media International to bring this experience to life on-screen and to reach a global audience.”