In the run-up to the 2025 Oscars, Netflix has acquired the streaming rights Anujashortlisted for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, which the platform announced by dropping a sneak peak video (see below). With awards season in full swing, I’m slowly checking off all the possible nominees on my watchlist in time for the awards ceremony on March 2, and Netflix has made my job a lot easier — which is why it remains one of the best streaming services.
Premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival in August last year, Anuja Set in Delhi, India, it follows the life-changing journey of the nine-year-old title character, played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory with her older sister. When the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to school arises, Anuja must make a big decision that could affect her sister’s fate as well as her own. While we don’t know exactly when Anuja will be released on Netflix, the sneak peak clip promises an inspiring story of resilience and determination – and I can’t wait to add it to my Netflix list.
With Adam J. Graves in the director’s chair and the creative team behind it Anuja consists of some of Hollywood’s best-known figures, including Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor (from the Oscar-winning short film The elephant whisperers). Priyanka Chopra-Jones also serves as executive producer. What started as a short film that made waves among Indian audiences, Kaling has since expressed her excitement about the short film’s transition to a global platform.
“Anuja is a story that means so much to me: it is powerful, hopeful and full of life, just like the incredible young girls 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 a wide audience”.
I’m not usually one to go for a short film as feature length films are more up my alley, but since I first expanded my streaming options and downloaded platforms like Mubi there are more short films than before. And as someone who is heavily invested in all things pricing, you see Anujas sneak peak video and Oscar shortlist placement has opened my eyes to short films as a growing art form, and I have a feeling more will be added to my watchlist from here on out.