In the run-up to the 2025 Oscars ceremony, Netflix acquired the streaming rights to anujashortlisted for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, which the platform announced with a preview video (see below). Now that awards season is in full swing, I’m slowly ticking off all the potential nominees on my watch list in time for the March 2 ceremony, and Netflix has made my job a whole lot easier — which is why it’s still being one of the best streaming programs. services.
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Premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival in August last year, anuja is set in Delhi, India, and follows the life-changing journey of the nine-year-old main character played by Sajda Pathan, who works alongside her older sister in a garment factory. When presented with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend school, Anuja has to make a big decision that could affect both her sister’s destiny and her own. Although we don’t know exactly when anuja will be released on Netflix, its teaser promises an inspiring story of resilience and determination, and I can’t wait to add it to my Netflix queue.
With Adam J. Graves in the director’s chair, the creative team behind anuja is made up of some of Hollywood’s best-known figures, including Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor (from the Oscar-winning short film The Elephant Whisperers). Additionally, Priyanka Chopra-Jones serves as executive producer. What began as a short film that created a sensation among Indian audiences, Kaling has since expressed his excitement about the short film’s transition to a global platform.
“Anuja is a story that means a lot to me: it is powerful, hopeful and full of life, just like the incredible young women it represents.” Kaling stated, adding that “The film draws attention to crucial issues while celebrating resilience, humor and hope. I’m thrilled that with Netflix joining the team, the conversation will expand as it reaches audiences everywhere.”.
I’m usually not one to prefer a short film, as I like dramatic feature films more, but since I expanded my streaming options and downloaded platforms like Mubi for the first time, short films have come up more than before. And as someone who invests heavily in all things awards season, see anuja The sneak peek video and place on the Oscar shortlist have opened my eyes to short films as a growing art form, and I have a feeling there will be more added to my watchlist from now on.
