Who We Are
Empathy Films is the media wing of the VegVoyages Foundation, a film and media production non-profit organization dedicated to producing impactful films and digital media projects. Our mission is to encourage and promote a cruelty-free, sustainable, and compassionate society through the power of storytelling.
Our award-winning feature documentary, Maa Ka Doodh (Mother’s Milk), was our first production. This powerful expose on India’s dairy industry has garnered critical acclaim for its insightful and hard-hitting portrayal of the realities behind dairy production.
Currently, we are working on several important projects, including:
At Empathy Films, we believe in the transformative power of media to inspire change and foster a more empathetic world. Join us on our journey to create a better, kinder future through compelling and meaningful storytelling.
Discover the powerful and impactful documentary film “Maa Ka Doodh” co-produced by VegVoyages Foundation! This highly acclaimed documentary film exposes the illegal and unethical practices in the Indian dairy industry, including instances of animal cruelty. It has received numerous awards and recognition at various international film festivals, including Best Documentary and Best Director at the Jaipur International Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature Film and Best Director Documentary Feature at the Cannes World Film Festival, and Best Documentary Film and Best Eye-Opening Film at the Bangkok International Film Festival.
The film Maa Ka Doodh has been creating waves on the internet since its release on January 26, 2023, on YouTube. It has become a popular topic of discussion for its powerful message and heartwarming story.
Maa Ka Doodh: Uncovering A Nation’s Dairy Disaster is an investigative feature-length documentary film about the untold stories behind the success of India’s White Revolution – The World’s Largest Dairy Production and Development Campaign. It also explores the ethical, cultural, environmental, religious, economic, social, and political complexities the consumption of dairy in India has created since millennia. The film uncovers how India became one of the largest exporters of beef in the world and its direct link to the nation’s dairy industry, along with the negative impacts of this industry on India’s bovine population, public health, environment, and culture, with the aim of finding novel, sustainable and ethical solutions.
Dr. Harsha Atmakuri is a general physician turned documentarian. He came to know about veganism when he was working as a medical writer; and as soon as he chose to be a vegan, he began participating in various animal rights awareness campaigns such as public outreaches, lectures, etc. To make the reach wider he began making short documentary videos and began uploading them on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. As time went on, he decided to quit his job to become a documentarian and undertook an investigative journey to make a film about India’s dairy industry, to find out how India’s dairy and beef industries operate and if there is a link between India being the largest producer of dairy in the world, and in it also being one of the world’s largest exporters of beef. This is his first documentary film project.
The film has been screened across various countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, and more. As co-producer of this documentary, we express our gratitude to the dedicated activists, individuals and organizations such as Animal Save India and Animal Alliance Asia for their invaluable support and collaboration. Together, we strive to amplify the message and impact of the film, reaching audiences worldwide and sparking meaningful change.
Thank you for supporting our projects.
For more info visit: https://maakadoodh.in/
Join us in the mission to save India’s cows by watching and sharing the thought-provoking movie. If you’re interested in screening the film in your community, please email us at : Holycow.mkd@gmail.com
In an unprecedented collaboration, VegVoyages Foundation & Empathy Films have joined forces with Green Pictures Pvt. Ltd. In Sri Lanka on a visionary project titled “The Movement LAB for CLIMATE CHANGE”. This initiative aims to produce a series of four short documentaries, culminating in a feature-length film, to shine a light on the pressing issue of climate change in Sri Lanka. Our partnership symbolizes a shared commitment towards environmental conservation and awareness, leveraging the power of storytelling to spark change.
Our mission is to address the critical impacts of climate change in Sri Lanka, focusing on the detrimental effects of animal agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, and direct human choices on the environment. Each documentary, lasting no more than 20 minutes, will explore different facets of these challenges, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices, including adopting a plant-based diet.
Documentaries:
“The Movement LAB for CHANGE” is more than just a series of documentaries; it is a crucial call to action. The significance of this project lies in its ability to raise awareness about the profound impact of climate change on Sri Lanka and the world at large. By highlighting the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental consequences, these films aim to:
These four short films will weave a narrative that connects the local to the global, illustrating how individual and collective actions can significantly influence our planet’s health.
Spanning from pre-production workshops to post-production labs and nationwide screenings, this project is meticulously planned to ensure impactful storytelling and widespread dissemination. Aligned with our core values, the project upholds ethical practices, including providing vegan options for all involved, from production to post-production, reinforcing our commitment to compassion and sustainability.
We are excited to announce that “The Movement LAB for CLIMATE CHANGE” is expected to premiere in September during the film festival organized by Green Pictures Pvt. Ltd. in Sri Lanka. This premiere will mark a significant milestone in our journey to raise awareness and inspire change through powerful storytelling.
We invite you to join us in spreading the word, supporting the initiative, and becoming part of the change we wish to see in the world.
Stay tuned for updates on ‘The Movement LAB for CHANGE’ as we start on this exciting journey together. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time.
Empathy Films, the media wing of VegVoyages Foundation is proud to share an exciting project, “Life in a Vegan Sanctuary”, a short film directed by passionate vegan advocate and independent filmmaker Amruta Balan Nair.
Our film is dedicated to showcasing the lives of rescued farm animals in India and promoting compassion, kindness, and veganism. Through this project, we aim to educate children and adults alike about the importance of animal rights and the benefits of a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Theme:
Farm animal sanctuaries are incredible places where rescued animals, once abused and neglected, can finally live in peace and freedom. In these sanctuaries, animals can express their true personalities, form deep bonds, and enjoy their lives without fear. Our documentary focuses on how these sanctuaries teach us about kindness, compassion, and the value of every living being. By visiting these sanctuaries, we learn that animals have friendships, love to play, and deserve the same freedoms and safety that we enjoy.
Our film is currently under production and is estimated to be completed by September. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to capture the most touching and inspirational stories from these sanctuaries, ensuring a high-quality and impactful film.
“Life in a Vegan Sanctuary” not only highlights the plight of farmed animals but also showcases the positive impact sanctuaries have on their lives. By illustrating the joy and freedom these animals experience, we hope to educate and inspire viewers to reconsider their relationship with animals and make compassionate choices.
This project is made possible through the collaboration between VegVoyages Foundation, Empathy Films, and independent filmmaker Amruta Balan Nair. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to bring these stories to life and promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.
We invite you to join us in supporting and promoting this important project. Whether through donations, sharing our message, or visiting sanctuaries, your involvement can make a difference.
