Netflix has announced the global release date for “Anuja,” the award-winning and Oscar-nominated short film about sisterhood, resilience and hope. Revealed exclusively to Variety, Netflix has set its worldwide on the streaming platform on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in addition to releasing the first trailer.
Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “little sister,” “Anuja” follows the story of a gifted 9-year-old orphan working in a back-alley garment factory with her 17-year-old sister, Palak. When a teacher offers Anuja a life-changing opportunity to attend an elite boarding school, she is forced to navigate a difficult decision that resonates with many young girls facing similar challenges globally.
Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga (“The Elephant Whisperers”), actor-producer Mindy Kaling and executive producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas are among the filmmaking team members that helped bring this poignant story to life. From husband-and-wife duo Adam J. Graves (director) and Suchitra Mattai (producer), the film has already earned critical acclaim, winning best live-action short at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival before earning an Oscar nomination earlier this month.
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“This is an extraordinary honor,” Graves said after receiving an Oscar nomination. “‘Anuja’ began as a small passion project between filmmakers to showcase the resilience and strength of remarkable children. I’m deeply grateful to the Academy for giving this story a global platform.”
“It is a dream come true to have ‘Anuja’ on Netflix, where it can be seen by the worldwide audience it deserves,” Kaling said.
Chopra Jonas echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the film’s universal message: “This film is such a raw and heartfelt exploration of love, family and resilience. It’s been such a privilege to be part of this journey, and I can’t wait for the world to experience the magic of ‘Anuja.’”
The film’s impact extends beyond the screen. Produced in partnership with Salaam Baalak Trust, an organization that provides essential resources to street children, “Anuja” offers a voice to those often unheard. Sajda Pathan, who plays the title role, is a beneficiary of the trust’s programs.
The supporting cast includes Ananya Shanbhag and Nagesh Bhosle, with cinematography by Akash Raje and music by Fabrizio Mancinelli.
Watch the trailer below: