WHO: Sangita Iyer is a biologist, National Geographic Explorer, multiple award-winning nature and wildlife filmmaker, former broadcast journalist and author of the 2022 Amazon bestseller "Gods in Shackles: What Elephants Can Teach Us About Empathy, Resilience and Freedom". She is also the Founder of Voice for Asian Elephants Society (VAES), a 501(c)(3) organization with a vision to protect endangered Asian elephants and their habitats in India, while also ensuring that native people and those living near the forest fringes have their basic needs met, so they will be inspired to coexist peacefully with these magnificent animals. Sangita recently produced a 26-part short docu-series about Asian elephants, funded by the National Geographic Society’s storytelling grant. She’s also the director and producer of the globally acclaimed epic documentary, Gods in Shackles, which was nominated at the United Nations General Assembly, and has garnered 13 international film festival awards. Sangita received the “Nari Shakthi Puraskaar” – Women Power Award – the highest award for women making a difference in India from the country’s President for her courage to expose the plight of captive elephants that are being exploited for profit behind the veil of culture and religion. WHAT: A fun evening of films, art, and delicious food to save Asian elephants! Sangita will be speak about the human/elephant conflict in India and screen two of her National Geographic short films about elephants as well as sign her best-selling book, Gods in Shackles. Amy Burkman will be doing a live art performance! There will be wine, appetizers, cupcakes and a live and silent auction. This is a fundraiser for Voice for Asian Elephants Society, founded by Sangita and endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall. WHEN: Friday, September 23, 2022 WHERE: Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 WHY: Sangita works tirelessly on behalf of the heritage animal of her native India. Funds raised during the gala will help build railroad sensors to protect the iconic elephants from tragedies caused by speeding trains in India. By employing indigenous people, VFAES is creating a peaceful coexistence between people and elephants of West Bengal. VIP Meet and Greet with Sangita Iyer: 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m., plus Lush Gift Bag and Gods in Shackles DVD: $95 General Admission: 6 p.m. $75 Tickets can be purchased here!
