The Deer, Tree and Me
NOMINATED BEST DOCUMENTARY (MIFF)
An afraid Chinkara or Indian Gazelle cried for help in the deep recesses of a cold winter night in the desert. Shaitan Singh Bishnoi could not contain himself and rushed out to his rescue. Shaitan opposed the hunters but they shot him dead. A young and innocent bride of Shaitan, Pushpa has to take care of a young son Piyush, two years old and a girl seven years old.
“If by laying our life even if a tree is saved, then our life is worthed”
The film revolves around Chinkara and Pushpa and their interactions. Chinkara symbolises the Mother Nature around us while Pushpa symbolizes the saviours of Nature.
Pushpa belongs to the Bishnoi community wherein people lay down their lives to save an innocent animal or tree. She carries forward the legacy of her husband Late Shaitan Singh by adopting a baby chinkara and naming him “Kishan”. Kishan’s mother died and the baby chinkara cannot live without the milk and love of his mother. Pushpa adopted the baby Chinkara. Her love of Kishan is visible when her 2-year-old son Piyush and Kishan share the same milk bottle. Piyush is envious of Kishan for sharing the love of his mother as well. What needs to protected animals or life of oneself in terms of crisis or hunting? She responds that animals cannot take care of themselves, they need to be protected first.
