Ahead of the 2025 Academy Awards, Netflix has acquired the streaming rights to Anujashortlisted for the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, which the platform announced by publishing a preview video (see below). Now that awards season is in full swing, I’m slowly checking off every possible nominee on my watchlist in time for the March 2 ceremony, and Netflix has made my job a lot easier — which is why it remains one of the best streaming services. services.
Look on it
Premiering 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 a unique opportunity for her to attend school presents itself, Anuja must make an important decision that could affect her sister’s fate as well as her own. Although we don’t know exactly when Anuja will be released on Netflix, its premiere 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, the creative team behind Anuja is made up of some of Hollywood’s most recognizable personalities, including Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor (of the Oscar-winning short film The Elephant Whisperers). Additionally, Priyanka Chopra-Jones serves as executive producer. What started as a short film that made waves with Indian audiences, Kaling has since expressed his enthusiasm for 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 said, adding that “the film draws attention to critical issues while celebrating resilience, humor and hope. I’m excited that with Netflix joining the team, the conversation will expand as it reaches a very wide audience.“.
Usually I’m not one to prefer short films, as dramatic feature films suit me more, but since I expanded my streaming options and download platforms such as Mubi for the first time, short films appeared more than before. And as someone who is heavily invested in all things awards season, seeing Anuja’s The video premiere and spot on the Oscar shortlist opened my eyes to short films as a growing art form, and I have a feeling more will be added to my watchlist from now on.
