About Empathy Films
Empathy Films is a non-profit film and media production organization dedicated to creating impactful films and digital media projects that promote a cruelty-free, sustainable, and compassionate society. Our debut production, Maa Ka Doodh, reflects this mission.
Registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States, Empathy Films primarily focuses on South Asia and Southeast Asia. It operates as the media arm of the VegVoyages Foundation, another 501(c)(3) charitable organization, supported by Vegan Travel Asia.
What We Do
Empathy Films produces impact-driven films that raise awareness, challenge perspectives, and inspire action on issues related to animal rights, human health, and the environment.
Our Initiative
Free Consultation for Filmmakers
As of 2025, we offer free consultation services to independent filmmakers working on projects related to animal rights, human health, and environmental issues, particularly those advocating for dietary and lifestyle change.
Scholarships for Filmmakers
We provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 USD to emerging filmmakers who have demonstrated talent through their previous work but need funding to bring new projects to life.
Filmmaking Workshops
We conduct free online and in-person documentary filmmaking workshops for filmmakers, college students, and animal rights activists (beginner and intermediate levels). These sessions, hosted by our director Dr. Harsha Atmakuri are offered at least twice a year.
Competitions & Training Programs
We organize filmmaking competitions specifically for animal rights activists, media students, and university communities to foster talent and advocacy through film.
About The Founders
Dr. Harsha Atmakuri
• MBBS • Director
A general physician-turned-animal-rights-advocate and documentary filmmaker, Dr. Harsha Atmakuri is a leading voice in animal rights and vegan advocacy in India. He is also a multiple award-winning filmmaker, best known for his groundbreaking documentary Maa Ka Doodh (Mother’s Milk). In 2020, he founded Empathy Films to amplify critical social issues through storytelling.
Zac Lovas
• Director
A former Hollywood independent film director, producer, and distributor, Zac Lovas retired in 2004 but returned to filmmaking after recognizing the urgent need for impactful storytelling in South Asia and Southeast Asia. His expertise strengthens Empathy Films’ mission to create meaningful, change-driven media. In addition to his work in film, Zac is the Director of Vegan Travel Asia, a 100% vegan tourism company focused on sustainability, animal rights, and local community empowerment in the region.
Amruta Nair
• Filmmaker
Amruta Nair is a neurodivergent filmmaker passionate about animals, nature, and storytelling. While working at the animal shelter Animal Aid Unlimited, she witnessed the hidden impact of the dairy industry and chose to become an ethical vegan. Her first short, ‘A Day in My Life’, explored the pain of separation a calf experiences from her mother. Her second, ‘Life in a Sanctuary’, explores the emotional lives of rescued farm animals and their journeys from suffering to a life of freedom. Now, she is committed to filmmaking as activism, using visual storytelling to inspire compassion and change.
Films
Maa Ka Doodh
Maa Ka Doodh is an investigative, feature-length documentary that follows Dr. Harsha Atmakuri on a groundbreaking journey to uncover the untold stories behind India’s White Revolution—the world’s largest dairy production and development campaign.
The film delves deep into the ethical, cultural, environmental, religious, economic, and political complexities surrounding dairy consumption in India, revealing the far-reaching consequences of the industry.
The film is available on YouTube in the following languages:
Life in a Sanctuary
Life in a Sanctuary is a heartwarming children’s short film that takes you inside Ahimsa Farm Animal Sanctuary in Kerala, where rescued farm animals find freedom, love, and friendship. Once saved from hardship, these animals now thrive—building trust, forming deep bonds, and experiencing joy like never before.
Designed for young audiences but enjoyable for all ages, this film is a perfect family-friendly experience, offering a touching and educational journey that parents and children can watch together. Through these inspiring stories, viewers of all generations will witness the transformative power of compassion and see how kindness can change lives—both animal and human alike.
DONATION
Support Empathy Films – Make a Difference Today
Support UsFilmmaking is the most powerful tool in the animal rights movement—it serves as the foundation upon which the movement expands into other areas of activism, inspiring change on a massive scale. At Empathy Films, we harness the power of storytelling to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and drive action for a cruelty-free, sustainable, and compassionate world.
Our films, workshops, and scholarships empower filmmakers and activists to create impactful content that advocates for animal rights, public health, and environmental sustainability. But we can’t do it alone—we need your support to continue this vital work.
By donating, you help us produce hard-hitting documentaries, provide free filmmaking workshops, and fund emerging filmmakers who are passionate about making a difference.
🌱 Make a donation today at:
👉 https://vegantravelasia.com/foundation/support-us/
Together, we can create a future where compassion and awareness lead the way. Thank you for being a part of this mission! 💙🎥
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