Guneet Monga's Short Film Anuja Secures Spot In Oscars 2025 Shortlist With Powerful Story

Guneet Monga's short film, 'Anuja', has been shortlisted for the Oscars 2025 in the Best Live Action Short Film category. This comes after Kiran Rao's 'Laapata Ladies' did not advance in the Oscars race. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently revealed the final shortlist for the 97th Academy Awards, keeping Indian fans hopeful with 'Anuja' still in contention.

'Anuja', produced by Guneet Monga, is directed by Adm J. Graves and highlights child labour issues in the garment industry. The film tells a poignant story of two sisters, Anuja and Palak, portrayed by Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag. They work in a Delhi garment factory, struggling against poverty. The film's narrative captures their challenging journey and resilience.

Guneet Monga, a two-time Academy Award winner, is thrilled about 'Anuja' being shortlisted. She expressed her excitement over this recognition, stating that it is a moment of immense pride. "Being shortlisted for the Oscars is a moment of immense pride," she said. "Anuja is a deeply personal story of two sisters navigating through life, celebrating the unwavering hope and resilience of the human spirit."

Monga further shared her gratitude for being part of this project as an executive producer alongside filmmakers Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai. She praised the performances by Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag. "It's been an honor to contribute to the campaign as an executive producer," she added, acknowledging the dedication of everyone involved in bringing this powerful story to life.

The short film has garnered attention not only for its compelling storyline but also for its social message about child labour. With its place on the Oscars shortlist, 'Anuja' continues to inspire hope among Indian cinema enthusiasts who eagerly await further developments in its journey at the prestigious awards.