Filming Elephants at the Mondulkiri Project
At the end of 2024, I had the privilege of spending three days at the Mondulkiri Project in Cambodia. I was there to film an experience for our new series, Explore for a Cause. This series is all about diving into important issues like conservation and wildlife protection and the Mondulkiri Project couldn’t have been a more fitting place to start.
The sanctuary is located in the Mondulkiri district and is dedicated to rescuing elephants from the harsh realities of logging and tourist rides. The elephants are given a second chance at life and are free to roam in their natural habitat. The Mondulkiri Project doesn’t just protect elephants; it’s also providing vital support to the Bunong tribe people, helping them build sustainable livelihoods that protect both their culture and the forest they call home.
Meeting the Man Behind It All
My time at Mondulkiri began with a meeting I won’t forget - sitting down with Mr. Tree, the man behind the sanctuary. One of the first things I did was show him the Apple Vision Pro headset. He’d never seen one before, so watching his amazement as he experienced the tech for the first time was priceless. It also helped him understand what I was trying to achieve, something beyond traditional videography.
Mondulkiri has hosted film crews before, but never for an immersive project like this. Hearing Mr. Tree talk about his work, his love for the elephants and his deep connection to the jungle was really inspiring. Driving into Mondulkiri, you see the stark effects of logging all around, but as soon as you arrive at his sanctuary, you really do feel a sense of hope and possibility. I’m excited for people to hear Mr. Tree’s story, as his passion and kindness towards the elephants and the Bunong people is so evident, and I think his words will resonate with many.
Mr. Tree and I at Mondulkiri
The Location
After meeting Mr Tree and running through a bit of a game plan for the shoot, I headed to my accomodation to prepare for the next day. That meant getting all my gear on charge and packing up my camera bag with everything I needed.
Filming at the Mondulkiri Project was an adventure in itself. The elephants here live as they please, which is exactly how it should be. But it also meant there were no guarantees. On the first day, we trekked to a stunning waterfall, only to find the elephants had decided to stay elsewhere that day. It took patience and persistence, but it was well worth the wait when I stood beside them, capturing them in their natural habitat.
Enjoying a traditional lunch with one of the mahout’s at Mondulkiri Sanctuary.
Moments That Stood Out
Getting up close to these incredible animals was like nothing I’d experienced before. Watching them interact with each other and their environment made it clear just how vital the sanctuary’s work is. These elephants aren’t just surviving; they’re thriving, thanks to the team’s dedication.
Why This Story Matters
The Mondulkiri Project is a story of hope and resilience. It’s about fighting to protect something precious in the face of overwhelming odds. Through Explore for a Cause, we want to bring you into this story, not just to show you the sanctuary, but to help you feel the urgency of their mission. We hope this experience inspires you to care about what’s happening in places like Mondulkiri and the people working tirelessly to make a difference.
The full immersive experience will be available soon. I can’t wait to share it with you. Until then, take a moment to learn more about the incredible work being done at the Mondulkiri Project here: mondulkiriproject.org and get ready to see it for yourself through Explore POV.
James
Creator of Explore POV
