Chopra Jonas, Ensler Join Oscar-Qualified Short

The Oscar-qualified Indian short film "We Were Here" has gained significant momentum with the addition of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Tony-winning activist-playwright V (formerly Eve Ensler) as executive producers. This collaboration amplifies the film's presence as it enters the awards season.

"We Were Here" is a mockumentary penned and directed by Pranav Bhasin. It is set in a small Indian town and features three retirees who, fearing job displacement by machines, protest by masquerading as household appliances. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when one of their children begins working for an artificial intelligence company.

Having premiered at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the film has since screened at over 80 festivals worldwide, accumulating more than 20 awards. Notable wins include the Canal+ Prize, an audience award at SXSW, and accolades from Palm Springs International ShortFest, which made it eligible for Academy Award consideration.

Pranav Bhasin, a filmmaker from Mumbai with an early start in directing, expressed his surreal experience with the film's success. He noted how the mockumentary format allowed him to ground the story in real people and places while exploring absurd themes. The film's journey from a "small, silly idea" to an Oscar-qualified feature with prominent executive producers, including Andrew Scott, marks a significant achievement for the young filmmaker.