Priyanka Chopra Jonas has added executive producer to her slate with We Were Here, the Oscar-qualified Indian short by writer-director Pranav Bhasin. The announcement comes just as campaign season for the Academy Awards is gathering pace, and it gives the small, widely travelled satire a prominent new voice in its corner.
A mockumentary about AI, fear, and family
Set in a sleepy Indian town, We Were Here follows three retired seniors who become convinced that artificial intelligence is about to make human labour obsolete. Their response is deliberately strange: they wander through public life disguised as ordinary household appliances.
The comic premise turns pointed when one of their own children accepts a job at an AI firm. That collision of generational anxiety and modern employment gives the film its sharpest moments, balancing absurd humour with a very real worry about what happens to people when machines take over.
From festival circuit to official qualification
The short has already built a strong case for itself. It has screened at more than 80 festivals around the world and collected over 20 international honours, including top prizes at Palm Springs International ShortFest and SXSW. Those wins have helped secure its Oscar consideration.
Priyanka said the film’s tone sold her quickly. “This film offers a refreshing, witty take on a subject that feels very timely,” she said, adding that she wanted to amplify the team and give its original vision a bigger platform.
Bhasin described the film as “a small, silly idea about three uncles trying to stop the spread of AI” that grew into a story about friendship and stubborn resilience.
Why a star executive producer matters
In the crowded short-film category, being Oscar-qualified is only the beginning. A recognisable producer can attract attention from voters and publishers who may otherwise overlook an independent title, and it can widen a film’s presence in the international conversation.
The project already has several valuable assets:
- Produced by Yash Gonsai, Dheer Momaya, and Dar Gai.
- An executive team that includes British actor Andrew Scott.
- Acquired by The New Yorker for its official channel.
Together, those elements provide a strong runway. Priyanka’s addition is less about changing the film than about making sure the right people see it during a very busy awards window.
The bigger picture for Indian shorts
Independent Indian filmmakers have been finding more room on the global festival circuit, and a high-profile champion can turn a festival hit into a wider awards story. We Were Here is an example of a homegrown idea travelling with the support of both Indian and international collaborators.
For viewers, the film is another reminder that a sharp satirical premise, executed with heart, can travel far beyond its modest origins. The next few months will show whether that festival momentum turns into a place on the Academy’s final list.
Source: Filmfare