Karishma Dev Dube's Short Film 'Bittu' Makes It To Oscars Short List

Bittu in Oscar Race: Debutant director Karishma Dev Dube's Bittu has made it to the Live Action Short Film shortlist at 93rd Academy Awards. The film is presented by "Indian Women Rising" Cinema Collective. India’s official Oscar entry Jallikattu has however not made it to the shortlist of International Feature Film category.

In January this year, filmmakers Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, and Ruchikaa Kapoor launched their Cinema collective- "Indian Women Rising", soon after which they presented the first short film Bittu. 

#Bittu from India has made it to the Best Live Action short-film short-list.. #Oscars2021

Here is the trailer..https://t.co/vxTEurP2Uc

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) February 10, 2021

Bittu has received an overwhelming response at more than 18 film festivals and recorded multiple wins. Screening at the BFI London Film Festival, Telluride, Palm Springs Shortfest, and HollyShorts, Bittu has also travelled to Dharamshala International Film Festival.

Based on a true story, this short drama tells us the tale of a heartwarming friendship between two school-going friends. Bittu is also about the journey of a fierce little girl who refuses to be forgotten. The short film offers a visually aesthetic and authentic experience to its viewers as it casts real children from the valleys of the Himalayas.

Expressing her excitement over Bittu shortlisting at the Oscars, Writer-filmmaker Tahira Kashyap took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note in which she requested everyone to continue the love and support for this short film.  “#bittu is in the top 10 for the 93rd Academy Awards! Can’t keep calm as this is our first project under @indianwomenrising... This one is so special,” Kashyap wrote. The filmmaker further congratulated the entire team of directors.

Based on a true story, this short drama tells us the tale of a heartwarming friendship between two school-going friends: Short Film Bittu in Oscar Race

Ekta Kapoor also shared the news on Instagram and wrote, "Very exciting news but v persevering women I know who working at it! I’m in august company! Way to go team #BITTU N @indianwomenrising."  She further wrote, "It’s 4.30 am in India... am tossing & turning, stress eating and texting my IWR girls thru the night and here we are !! BITTU is now shortlisted for the 93rd Academy Awards."

The cinema collective 'Indian Women Rising' aims at discovering Indian female talent in cinema and expand its scope of marketing, sales, and distribution beyond the demographical boundaries. Earlier, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, Ayushmann Khurrana, Dia Mirza, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sonali Bendre amongst others had given a shout out to the film on social media. Read more about Indian Women Rising collective here.

Image Credits: Indian Express