Oscar Nominees Guneet Monga Kapoor, Adam J. Graves on ‘Anuja’: ‘The Honesty Travels Through’

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Adam J. Graves, previously a philosophy professor, had no idea that his first full-length film as a director would end up on Netflix and secure an Academy Award nomination. However, an unexpected trip to Dairy Queen during the pandemic shifted his entire trajectory.

Graves shared with EbMaster that we were on our way home from the only open establishment, Dairy Queen, when he unexpectedly expressed, ‘I think I’m going to create a film.’ He anticipated his wife would dismiss the idea as impractical given our family and financial commitments. To his surprise, however, she enthusiastically replied, ‘Let’s give it a try!’

The outcome is titled “Anuja,” a 22-minute short movie that focuses on two sisters laboring in a hidden garment factory. The plot revolves around the main character, who must make a crucial choice affecting her life and loved ones. Notably, this production has garnered support from notable figures like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. This idea originated from Graves’ academic career, where he taught film in his philosophy classes, as well as his wife Suchitra Mattai’s family history of labor indenture.

Graves points out that during the pandemic, conversations often revolved around supply chain problems. However, given our focus on labor matters, we were more concerned with what was taking place in the manufacturing sector. When they uncovered that approximately one tenth of children worldwide are involved in child labor, it triggered a thought: Why aren’t there more stories centered around adolescence, featuring characters from such backgrounds?

The movie was entirely financed through loans from the family and credit cards. “Once Netflix endorses your film, people tend to think it’s a professional, high-budget production,” Graves states. “In reality, this is merely a resourceful project that my wife and I undertook without much prior knowledge.

For Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor (“The Elephant Whisperers”), who subsequently joined the project, the movie’s raw authenticity resonated deeply from the start. “It was love at first sight,” she admits. “I have a strong affinity for well-crafted main characters.

I’ve been deeply moved by the film, as it showcases the extraordinary talent of Sajda Pathan, a street child who was discovered through Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust. This organization provides rehabilitation and opportunities in drama for children living on the streets. As Kapoor so eloquently put it, “That little girl – it’s almost as if Sajda is in the hands of two men, and their decision seems to dictate her fate, yet somehow she manages to turn the tables, asserting control over her own choices.” Sajda is a remarkable young girl with immense potential, and I cannot emphasize enough the profound impact that the Salaam Balak Trust has had on her life. I encourage everyone to learn more about this organization, support it, and help bring about its continued success. It would be an incredible victory for all involved.

In Kapoor’s own words, “The initial filmmaking experience holds a touch of enchantment. You’re unaware of the hurdles. Driven by an intense desire to create, you simply say, ‘Let’s do it.’ You discover your group, you bring your vision to life, but you remain truthful in your artistry. This sincerity permeates because then the feelings follow suit.

For Graves, maintaining authenticity was crucial during the filming process, which took place over only five days while he was also teaching philosophy classes online from India. His aim was to foster a collaborative atmosphere on set, creating an open environment where the actresses could freely play and improvise, allowing their unique personalities to shape the narrative of the story.

In the early stages of Oscar voting, Kapoor leverages her past campaign successes to guide her efforts. “My journey with Academy campaigns,” she explains, “has been from knowing little to knowing exactly what needs to be done – that’s the progress I’ve made.” This includes scheduling screenings ahead of time, subscribing to relevant newsletters, and forging connections. From the shortlist stage through to potential nomination, she emphasizes the importance of these relationships. Once nominated, however, her focus shifts to strengthening and nurturing those relationships even more.

For Kapoor, who has been a longtime advocate for individual perspectives, “Anuja” embodies what she stands for: “Amidst all the clamor and powerful forces, there’s always independent filmmaking that will prevail because it’s genuine. The more sincere you are in your craft, it transcends. Audiences can see the protagonist’s soul, they can perceive their aspirations, they can sense the enchantment.

Moving forward, Graves is working on creating two projects – an international humanist thriller and a heartwarming father-daughter tale set in Paris. Despite his recent achievements, he remains modest about his newfound success, expressing hope that the companions he meets during his Oscar quest will show him the way.

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2025-02-13 16:47