Netflix to Premiere Oscar-Nominated Live Action Short Film Anuja in February

On Wednesday night, Netflix announced the premiere of the Oscar-nominated live-action short film ‘Anuja’ on February 5, 2025, bringing this poignant and inspiring story to a global audience in 190 countries. Created by the husband-and-wife duo Adam J. Graves (Director, Producer) and Suchitra Mattai (Producer), Anuja tells a heartfelt tale of resilience, love, and opportunity amidst adversity.
The Story of Anuja
The trailer follows Anuja, a gifted nine-year-old girl, and her seventeen-year-old sister, Palak, who work in a back-alley garment factory. When a compassionate teacher offers Anuja the chance to attend an elite boarding school, the sisters face challenges that test their bond and resilience, culminating in a life-altering decision faced by countless young girls worldwide.
Producer Insights
Expressing her excitement, Mindy Kaling, producer of Anuja, stated, “It is a dream come true to have Anuja on Netflix, where it can be seen by the worldwide audience it deserves. I’m so grateful to Bela Bajaria and Netflix India for seeing what I saw in this beautiful short film!” Adam J. Graves added, “Suchitra and I are incredibly grateful that Anuja has found a home on Netflix. This story of hope was brought to life through collaboration with so many talented and passionate people. We are thrilled that the results of our collective dedication can finally be enjoyed by audiences around the world.”
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A Strong Production Team
Anuja, featuring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag in lead roles, is supported by a remarkable team of producers, including Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Krushan Naik, Aaron Kopp, Devananda Graves, Michael Graves, Ksheetij Saini, and Alexandra Blaney. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anita Bhatia serve as Executive Producers, with Archana Jain, Susan MacLaury, and Albie Hecht as Co-Executive Producers. The film’s authenticity is further enhanced through collaboration with Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering street and working children. Lead actor Sajda Pathan, a beneficiary of this trust, delivers a stellar performance.
Global Recognition
Along with its Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short, Anuja has already garnered global attention. With its Netflix debut on February 5, 2025, this powerful story of sisterhood and hope aims to make an even greater impact.