At the age of 14, Juliette is on a mission to save elephants. After single-handedly raising funds, she embarks on a life-altering journey to Southeast Asia to meet and work with her hero, Lek Chailert, known as “The Elephant Lady,” who has risked her life and freedom for more than three decades to protect elephants from illegal trade and abuse. This is the story of two women, one from the East, one from the West, coming together on common ground to save elephants. It’s also the coming-of-age story of a passionate young woman joining forces with a wise and experienced animal advocate on an enlightening journey of compassion, action and hope. The message: no matter what your age, your ethnicity, or disposition, no matter what the cause, you can make a difference, The film is one girl’s story that led to a movement that became a comprehensive plan to save a species. Directed by Tim Gorski and Synthian Sharp. Produced by Jorja Fox, Alec Pedersen, and Juliette West.

How I Became an Elephant

2012 US 82 min
Festival Year: 2013
Types: Documentary
Topic: Environmental Advocacy and Justice