Unveiled on World Elephant Day, ‘Crossing Paths’ marks actress (Aa Dinagalu to Max – 19 yrs career) Samyuktha Horanad’s directorial debut. The documentary shines a light on the escalating human–elephant conflict and explores the urgent need for sustainable solutions that enable humans and wildlife to coexist.
The documentary is supported by Tekion’s CSR initiative, in collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department, A Rocha India, and Sampige Films Production.
As forests continue to shrink and natural wildlife habitats are increasingly disrupted by human activity, elephants are being forced to venture into human settlements in search of food and space. This has resulted in a growing conflict, with serious consequences for both local communities and wildlife.
Crossing Paths takes an in-depth look at this complex issue while exploring the urgent need to find sustainable ways for humans and elephants to share the same landscape.
At the heart of the documentary is Project EADDS (Elephant Attack Deterrent Dog Squad), an initiative being implemented by A Rocha India in collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department. The project focuses on conservation, early intervention and preventive measures to help reduce human–elephant conflict. The EADDS program is led by Avinash Krishnan of A Rocha India.
The documentary has been filmed by acclaimed cinematographer Prateek Shetty, known for his work on Gandhada Gudi and 777 Charlie.
Key contributors to the initiative Eshwar B. Khandre — Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka, Pushkar Kumar — PCCF, Manoj Rajan — Project Head, Project Elephant,Kumar — Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Hassan, Avinash Krishnan — National Director, A Rocha India.
At a time marked by climate change, environmental degradation and increasing conflict between humans and the natural world, Crossing Paths hopes to draw attention to a conflict that often goes unseen, while highlighting the possibility—and the urgent necessity—of peaceful coexistence.
Through its powerful visual narrative and on-ground perspective, the documentary seeks to remind us that conservation is not merely about protecting wildlife; it is also about creating a future where people and animals can share the planet without being forced into conflict.
