Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatts Gully Boy failed to make the Oscar cut but we have been proudly looking at I917 for a moment of Indian glory at the Academy Awards 2020, because production of the film with 10 nominations — including Best Film and Director — has Reliance backing. What few people are aware is that there is another Indian angle at this year’s Oscars.
Indian-American filmmakers Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan’s St. Louis Superman is competing in the Documentary Short Subject category at the 92nd Academy Awards. The 33-minute documentary, which revolves around Bruce Franks Jr.’s journey from an activist to a lawmaker, is up against In the Absence, Learning To Skateboard in A Warzone, Life Overtakes Me and Walk Run Cha-Cha.
“Do awards matter? Well, becoming an Oscars contender means for the first time in my career I was able to hand-select every member of my crew for a major commercial project. This means good pay and TV experience for all involved. It’s all about getting those chances. This entire team was asked to jump on to the company’s next project because they’re that damn good. Industry experience begets more industry opportunities… To my fellow filmmakers who are getting some shine right now and taking a leap forward in your careers, don’t forget to hold the door open for someone else. Use your leverage not just for yourself, but for others too. Especially those for whom the doors don’t open that easily,” Mundhra posted on Twitter.
While a win for St. Louis Superman will make India proud, many more must already be aware of the fact that Sam Mendes’ war drama 1917 has Reliance Entertainment and Amblin Partners among the banners associated with its production. The film has received as many as 10 Oscar nominations. (IANS)
