Set in India, Anuja, a short film about two sisters struggling to find joy and opportunity in a world intent on their exploitation and exclusion, has secured a nomination for Best Live Action Short at the 97th Academy Awards.
Written and directed by Adam J Graves, Anuja showcases the struggles of young girls in pursuit of education. The nomination was announced during a special ceremony in California.
The film produced in collaboration with Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust, a nonprofit empowering street and working children, features Sajda Pathan, herself a beneficiary, as the lead actor. The cast also features Ananya Shanbhag.
The film, expected to stream on Netflix soon, has the backing of a remarkable team of producers including Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor while Priyanka Chopra Jonas has come on board as one of its executive producers.
However, Grand Prix-winner All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, failed to secure a nomination despite winning major international awards.
Expressing her excitement over Anuja’s nomination, Chopra Jonas shared, “Anuja being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category is such an incredible moment. This film is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling—how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way. I’m so proud of Adam J Graves for his vision and deeply moved by the brilliant performances of Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, who have poured their hearts into bringing these characters to life.”
Monika Shergill, V-P, Content, Netflix India, said, “It is an honour to bring a beautiful, homegrown film like Anuja to audiences around the world.”
Source: Indian Express
--Agencies
