Ele, My Friend is a 1992 English-language children's film directed by Dharan Mandrayar and produced by Linda Mandrayar. The film stars Jacob Paul Guzman and an elephant named Ganesh.[1] The film, an Indo-British co-production, revolves around a bond between 10-year old Charles and an elephant, which he names Ele.[2][3]
Ele, My Friend | |
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Directed by | Dharan Mandrayar |
Written by | Dharan Mandrayar |
Produced by | Dharan Mandrayar |
Starring | Jacob Paul Guzman Ganesh |
Cinematography | Arnie Sirlin |
Edited by | B. Lenin V. T. Vijayan |
Music by | Barry Phillips |
Production company | Dharlin Entertainment |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
Countries | India United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Dharan Mandrayar, a nephew of actor Sivaji Ganesan, studied in India and later in the United States. He forayed into films after being encouraged by his wife, Linda.[4] The film was shot in South India and was produced by Dharan and Linda Mandrayar's Dharlin Entertainment.[5][6] Filming began on 3 February 1992.[6]
The film was released in Germany and Italy as Mein Freund, der kleine Elefant and Il Mio Amico Elé, respectively.[7] The film was made available on DVD in 2008.[8]
A critic from Movie Guide opined that "Ele, My Friend is a rare, gentle movie that will satisfy the viewer".[9] Regarding the German version, a critic from Kinder Film Welt criticised several aspects of the film including the acting, music, and sound.[10][11]
The film won the Best Picture for Environment and Quality of Life Award in Bellinzona, Switzerland.[4]