‘This is just the beginning’: Producer Guneet Monga reacts as Indian short film ‘Anuja’ fails to win Oscar

Producer Guneet Monga has reacted after missing out on the Oscar for her short film Anuja. The 22-minute film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film but bested by Dutch-language film I’m Not a Robot.

Reacting to the loss, Monga shared an optimistic message on Instagram, highlighting the potential of independent cinema, and reaffirming that they will reach the prestigious level of the Oscars again. “Celebrating independent cinema at the 97th Academy Awards is a testament to the idea that dreams do come true! We attended the event with our short film Anuja, but this is just the beginning. As long as we continue to dream and create, we will return again soon!”

“Anuja is a 22-minute love letter to girls who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, and it aligns perfectly with the vision and mission of the Salaam Baalak Trust, where our young lead, Sajda Pathan, resides,” she continued.

Thanking the Academy, she said, “I am deeply grateful to the Academy for bringing Anuja to a global stage. As Producer Samantha Quan said, “To all the dreamers and young filmmakers—tell the stories that move you. You will never regret it.””

Anuja follows the story of a gifted nine-year-old, who scraps for pennies working at a garment factory with her sister, Palak. When she gets an opportunity to go to school, she is worried about the fate of her sister. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the short film features Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag, Nagesh Bhonsle, Gulshan Walia, and Sushil Parwana.

The short film was bankrolled by stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mindy Kaling among others. Anuja is available to view on Netflix.