Sajda Pathan in Oscar-Nominated ‘Anuja’ on Netflix from Feb 5

Sajda Pathan in Oscar-Nominated ‘Anuja’ on Netflix from Feb 5

The Oscar-nominated live-action short film Anuja, directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, is set to premiere on Netflix on February 5, 2025. This powerful and poignant film has garnered significant attention, not only for its compelling narrative but also for its star, 9-year-old Sajda Pathan, who brings a deeply personal and authentic performance to the screen.

Latest Movie Updates

Anuja tells the heart-wrenching story of a gifted 9-year-old girl named Anuja, who works in a garment factory in New Delhi alongside her older sister Palak. The film follows Anuja’s journey as she is offered a rare opportunity to attend school, forcing her to make a difficult decision that will determine the fate of her and her sister’s future. The movie is set against the backdrop of child labor and the struggles faced by many young children in similar circumstances.

The film has been nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, a significant honor that highlights its impact and the importance of its story. Anuja is backed by a formidable team of producers, including Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga, all of whom have expressed their pride and honor in being part of this project.

Behind the Scenes

Sajda Pathan, the young star of Anuja, has a story that mirrors the film’s narrative in many ways. Rescued from the streets of Delhi by the Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO that supports street and working children, Sajda has experienced the harsh realities of child labor firsthand. Her previous role was in the French film The Braid (La Tresse), and Anuja marks her second film appearance. The authenticity she brings to the role is deeply rooted in her own life experiences.

The production of Anuja involved a collaborative effort between several organizations, including Graves Films, Shine Global, and Krushan Naik Films. The film has already won several awards at film festivals, including the Oscar-qualifying award at the HollyShorts Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the New York International Short Film Festival.

Industry Pulse

The nomination of Anuja for an Oscar is a significant milestone for the film industry, particularly for Indian cinema. It underscores the global recognition of stories that highlight social issues and the resilience of children in adversity. With Netflix acquiring the film, Anuja will reach a global audience, further amplifying its message and impact. This collaboration between international producers and Indian talent is a testament to the power of cross-border storytelling and the potential for such stories to inspire change.

Key Takeaways of News

• Oscar Nomination and Global Premiere: Anuja has been nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards and will premiere on Netflix on February 5, 2025, making it accessible to a global audience.
• Personal and Authentic Performance: Sajda Pathan, the 9-year-old star, brings a deeply personal and authentic performance to the film, drawing from her own experiences as a child laborer rescued by the Salaam Baalak Trust.
• Industry Recognition and Impact: The film’s nomination and previous awards highlight its impact and the importance of its story, contributing to a broader conversation about child labor and education. The involvement of prominent producers like Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga adds to the film’s credibility and reach.
• Global Reach and Social Impact: With Netflix’s platform, Anuja will reach audiences in over 190 countries, furthering Shine Global’s goal to spark dialogue around child labor and education, and inspiring greater awareness and action to empower young lives.