India’s wildlife storytelling has found a powerful new voice on the global stage. “The Divine Mother,” a visually stunning documentary based on the elusive King Cobra of Uttarakhand, has been officially selected for screening at the internationally acclaimed Green Screen International Film Festival in Germany.

The documentary will be showcased from September 9 to 13 this year, placing Uttarakhand’s extraordinary biodiversity and conservation efforts before an international audience of wildlife filmmakers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts.

The project is the result of nearly 18 months of relentless fieldwork carried out in the rugged terrains of Kumaon and Garhwal. Produced by Anup Sah and conservationist Parth Sharma, and directed by filmmaker Ajay Suri, the film is already being hailed as a landmark achievement for Indian wildlife cinema.

The Rare Story of a ‘Divine Mother’

What makes the documentary extraordinary is its intimate portrayal of the King Cobra, a reptile often feared and misunderstood.

Unlike most snake species, the female King Cobra displays astonishing maternal instincts. The documentary captures the reptile constructing nests, guarding eggs, and sacrificing her own safety to protect the next generation. Such nurturing behaviour is exceptionally rare in the animal kingdom and almost unheard of among snakes.

This rare phenomenon inspired the film’s title, “The Divine Mother.” Through stunning visuals and patient storytelling, the filmmakers reveal a softer, deeply emotional side of one of the world’s deadliest serpents.

The documentary also sheds light on the species’ critical ecological role in maintaining balance within the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. By focusing on coexistence rather than fear, the film attempts to change long-standing perceptions surrounding snakes and wildlife.

Shot in the Toughest Himalayan Conditions

According to the filmmakers, the journey behind the documentary was as intense as the subject itself. The crew spent months tracking King Cobras through dense forests, steep mountain trails, unpredictable weather, and remote regions of Uttarakhand. Every frame demanded patience, precision, and immense respect for nature.

Producer Anup Sah described the filming conditions as extremely challenging, noting that the entire documentary was shot across several regions of Kumaon and Garhwal under demanding circumstances.

Yet the effort has paid off spectacularly. The film’s selection at one of the world’s most respected wildlife film festivals marks a major milestone for Indian environmental storytelling.

Bringing Uttarakhand’s Biodiversity to the World

The recognition has sparked celebrations across Uttarakhand. Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj called it a proud moment for the state, saying the documentary would help bring global attention to the urgent need for wildlife and forest conservation.

Beyond conservation, the documentary also taps into the region’s deep-rooted cultural connection with serpents. Wildlife enthusiast Deepankar Karki highlighted that serpent worship has a long history in both Kumaon and Garhwal, where several temples are dedicated to serpent deities. Because the King Cobra is revered by many communities as sacred, the emotional and cultural significance of the film becomes even more profound.

More Than a Film, A Conservation Message

At its heart, “The Divine Mother” is not just a wildlife documentary, it is a conservation appeal.

The filmmakers hope the documentary will inspire audiences across the world to look beyond fear and understand the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. As climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction continue to threaten fragile ecosystems, films like this serve as powerful reminders of humanity’s responsibility toward nature.