What is the "Humans in the Loop" film about?

"Humans in the Loop" is a film that follows an Indigenous woman working at a rural data-annotation center in India, examining the ethics and inequities of machine learning while foregrounding empathy, lived experience, and cultural knowledge.

How has the "Humans in the Loop" film been recognized?

The film has received the prestigious Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant, which will help it reach wider audiences in the U.S. Additionally, "Humans in the Loop" has officially qualified for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards in the Best Original Screenplay category.

What is the significance of the Film Independent Sloan Grant for "Humans in the Loop"?

The Sloan Grant, administered by Film Independent and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, supports narrative features that engage meaningfully with science or technology themes. This recognition validates the film's mission to reshape how stories about technology are told, giving voice to the people whose labor and stories often remain unseen.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Indigenous Film "Humans in the Loop" Wins Sloan Grant, Qualifies for Oscars

Indigenous Film "Humans in the Loop" Wins Sloan Grant, Qualifies for Oscars

17 Nov

•

Summary

Film "Humans in the Loop" receives Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant
Explores ethics and inequities of machine learning, foregrounding empathy and cultural knowledge
Qualifies for 98th Academy Awards consideration in Best Original Screenplay category

Indigenous Film "Humans in the Loop" Wins Sloan Grant, Qualifies for Oscars

In November 2025, the feature film "Humans in the Loop" by director Aranya Sahay has received the coveted Film Independent Sloan Distribution Grant. This grant, administered by Film Independent and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, supports narrative films that engage meaningfully with science or technology themes and helps them reach wider audiences.

The film, which follows an Indigenous woman working at a rural data-annotation center in India, examines the ethics and inequities of machine learning. By foregrounding empathy, lived experience, and cultural knowledge, "Humans in the Loop" aims to spark conversations about the human impact of emerging technologies.