Telesgop Television, a prominent Welsh production company, set out to tell the story of the Asian elephant, exploring not only its life in the wild but also its profound cultural and historical importance in Sri Lanka. To bring this narrative to the screen, Jetwing Eco Holidays curated a unique filming experience that seamlessly combined authentic wildlife encounters with the vibrant traditions that celebrate the elephant as both a sacred and cultural icon.
Our team arranged a mini pageant, specially designed to reflect the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned religious festivals. This gave the crew the rare opportunity to film the elephant’s role in local culture, a living embodiment of spirituality, strength, and heritage. The production captured the entire sequence, from the preceding religious ceremonies and intricate preparations to the culmination of the majestic procession itself.
Balancing cultural richness with natural spectacle, the project also included striking wild footage of Asian elephants in their natural habitats. The contrast between roaming elephants in Sri Lanka’s national parks and their ceremonial presence in human traditions allowed the documentary to tell a holistic, emotionally powerful story.
Jetwing Eco Holidays managed every aspect of the production: securing permissions, orchestrating the pageant, and providing expert naturalist guidance in the field. With our local knowledge and cultural sensitivity, the crew was able to film respectfully, authentically, and with unrivalled access.