Kiran Rao-Dia Mirza's films selected for India's environmental film fest
What's the story
Indie movies Humans in the Loop and Panha have been chosen for the upcoming All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF). The ALT EFF is India's premier platform for cinema that highlights social and ecological issues. While Humans in the Loop is executive produced by filmmaker Kiran Rao, Panha features actor-producer-environmental advocate Dia Mirza as a key contributor.
Film synopsis
'Panha' explores the conflict between 'progress and preservation'
Panha is a Marathi short film that tells the story of a young boy from a Maharashtrian village whose family's mango farm is threatened by the construction of a bullet train. The film explores the conflict between modernization and tradition, highlighting themes of loss, displacement, and rural resilience. Mirza spoke about Panha's selection for ALT EFF, saying it reflects the struggles many communities in India face between "progress and preservation".
Film synopsis
'Humans in the Loop' questions human cost of technology
On the other hand, Humans in the Loop explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional knowledge through the story of an Adivasi woman who works as an AI data labeler. The film explores the human cost of rapid technological progress and highlights the importance of indigenous wisdom in an increasingly digital world. Rao commented on its relevance, saying, "It's a reminder that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around."
Festival perspective
ALT EFF director emphasized importance of selected films
Anaka, Programming Director and Co-founder of ALT EFF, stressed the significance of these selections. She said, "At ALT EFF, we believe in showcasing stories that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought about the way we coexist with our environment." "Both Panha and Humans in the Loop reflect India's storytelling diversity - one rooted in our villages' soil, the other in future's digital landscapes." The festival will take place from December 4 to 14, 2025.