Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, a brilliant husband and wife duo, recently bagged the award for Best Live Action Short at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles. Their winning short film, ‘Anuja’, delves into the bitter reality of child labor in India.
Peek into the Plot of ‘Anuja’
Graves wrote and directed ‘Anuja’, while Mattai played a crucial role in its production. The film tugs at your heartstrings by portraying the life of Anuja, a gifted 9-year-old girl forced to work in a garment factory in Delhi. Along with her older sister, Palak, she navigates the harsh reality of child labor. But things take a turn when an offer of education in a prestigious boarding school comes her way. Will this be Anuja’s ticket out of her harsh reality?
A Potential Oscar Contender?
With this huge win at HollyShorts, ‘Anuja’ now stands a chance to be nominated for the Oscars in one of the shorts categories. This triumph owes a lot to the dedication of Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), an Indian non-profit organization. SBT, founded by Dr. Praveen Nair, came into play after her daughter Mira Nair’s film Salaam Bombay! highlighted the heartbreaking conditions of street children in India. SBT played a pivotal role in shaping up ‘Anuja’ and contributing to its authenticity.
A Real-Life Anuja
Guess what’s more impressive? The protagonist of the film, Anuja, is played by a real-life Anuja – Sajda Pathan. She’s a resident of an SBT home that offers shelter and education to girls previously trapped in street living. Talk about real events meeting reel life!
Digging Deeper into ‘Anuja’
Graves made a conscious effort to conduct extensive research for ‘Anuja’. He interacted with many girls who had been victims of child labor and braved through such challenging times. He attempted to highlight their resilience and warmth, steering clear from focusing just on the hardships. His vision was to portray their innocence and joy – reminding everyone that they’re just kids and not plain statistics.
Anuja’s Effect-Driven Production Team
‘Anuja’ boasts of a power-packed production team, backed by Shine Global. This non-profit organization is committed to changing children’s lives through impactful storytelling. They have displayed their magic in several award-winning projects, including War/Dance and Inocente. Shine Global also supports the End US Child Labor Campaign – an initiative focused on protecting children from exploitative labor practices.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Anuja’
Producer Krushan Naik, along with Graves, Mattai, and a team of talented individuals, worked relentlessly to bring ‘Anuja’ on the global platform. These include Michael Graves, Ksheetij Saini, Alexandra Blaney, Susan MacLaury, and Albie Hecht. The blend of their diverse talents helped shape up this remarkable film.
About the Masterminds
Adam J. Graves is a man of multiple talents. With a B.A. in South Asian studies and a Ph.D. in the philosophy of religion, his credentials are enough to speak volumes about his capabilities. His past works include the popular short film ‘Cycle Vérité’ and several noteworthy projects. Currently, he is working on his next documentary short, ‘The Other Side of the Sun’.
Suchitra Mattai, a renowned South Asian artist, brings her unique vision to the table. She has a strong footing in the world of arts with an M.F.A in painting and drawing, and an M.A in South Asian art. She uses her artwork to celebrate the strength of women and shed light on her family’s history of indentured labor. Mattai’s upcoming exhibitions are set to take place at reputed venues all over America.
In conclusion, ‘Anuja’ is a refreshing piece of art that portrays raw realities while stirring up hope. This winning short film is set to capture many more hearts and accolades in the days to come. Congratulations to the entire team!
