Tiger Women

Feature Documentary | Co-Production | Adult | Early Development

The woman on the left was saved from becoming a Tiger Widow by her husband and the ancient deity of the forest Bonobibi, on the right, in a harrowing fight with an intrepid tiger who attacked them as they were on a boat, fishing for their livelihood. Though a portion of her skull is missing on the right side of her head (covered by her sari), this is a story of survival. The communities of the islands of the Sundarban live in extreme danger of tiger attacks to make a living through fishing and honey collection.

Photo Credit - Dr. Ratna Ghosh

Follow the stories of the courageous widows of the Sundarban whose husbands were killed by tigers as they fight for their rights, livelihood, and children.

Initiated by researchers at McGill University and the University of Calcutta, TIGER WOMEN is a documentary feature that follows the unique stories of the courageous women continuing their lives after tigers have taken their husbands. In the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest located in India and Bangladesh – a region greatly affected by climate change – villagers and tigers hunt in the same areas. By conservative estimates, over 50 men a year are killed by tigers and the wives they leave behind not only grieve their loss, but also face ostracization by their communities, families, and government leaving them with few financial resources and options. With references to the revered deity Bonobibi or Bonodevi, the protectress of the forests, the documentary weaves individual current stories with ancient ones to bring to light the perseverance, fortitude, and resilience of widows as they rebuild their lives.

[We are currently looking for development funds, broadcaster interest, and an Indian co-producer]