The film traces the mysterious story of the Indian elephant RAJA, who was sent on an adventurous journey from the forests of Kerala to Vienna around 1550, via Lisbon. Gandhi activist P. V. Rajagopal's explorations along the route uncover surprising facts and awaken fascinating associations. We witness the capture of the little elephant, its training, its work in the forest and its performances at temple festivals - until it is chosen as a status symbol by European rulers. A story of appropriation that continues to this day.
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Karl Saurer Director · Elena M. Fischli Screenplay Matthias Kälin Cinematographer
First release January 22, 2007 · Produced in Italy, Switzerland · Languages English, German, Malayalam
Production
RECK Filmproduktion
Production
Karl Saurer Filmproduktion
Production
3sat Schweiz
Production
RAI
Production
SRF
Production
Italy · Switzerland
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English · German · Malayalam
Release dates
Switzerland · January 22, 2007
Theatrical · Solothurner Filmtage
No release date listed for United States.
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