Indo-Canadian Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja's To Kill A Tiger Shortlisted for 2024 Oscars
Nisha Pahuja's latest documentary, "To Kill A Tiger," has achieved a significant milestone by being shortlisted for the 2024 Oscars in the Documentary Feature Film category. The 96th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, will see the film vying for the coveted honor.
The documentary, set entirely in India, made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2022, where it received critical acclaim and secured the Amplify Voices Award for Best Canadian Feature Film. An exceptional achievement for documentaries, "To Kill A Tiger" also enjoyed a theatrical release in North America this year.
The star-studded team of executive producers supporting the film includes notable figures such as British Indian actor Dev Patel, Indian-American actress Mindy Kaling, and Indo-Canadian poet Rupi Kaur.
"To Kill A Tiger" delves into the heart-wrenching story of a family in Jharkhand, India, as they navigate the pursuit of justice for a sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl. The documentary intricately captures the challenges, resilience, and transformative journey of the family as they confront societal norms and strive to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A statement from the TIFF jury on the film highlights its emotional depth, stating, "It's not easy to film love. In Nisha Pahuja's To Kill A Tiger, a father defends his daughter, and together they change a village, a country and, maybe, the world." The documentary's profound exploration of the human spirit and its impact on the broader societal narrative has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
TIFF's description of "To Kill A Tiger" emphasizes its broader relevance, addressing issues of rape culture and the silencing of women. The film portrays the challenges faced by the family as they navigate a culture that often resorts to victim-blaming, emphasizing the enduring strength and defiance of the central characters.
As "To Kill A Tiger" advances to the Oscars shortlist, it not only stands as a testament to Nisha Pahuja's storytelling prowess but also shines a spotlight on the critical social issues it confronts. The documentary's journey from the TIFF stage to the Oscars shortlist underscores its significance in the cinematic landscape, offering a powerful and poignant narrative that resonates beyond cultural boundaries.
