The 96th Academy Awards nominations have been unveiled, and Oppenheimer leads the pack with a staggering 13 nominations. Following closely are Poor Things, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Barbie with 11, 10, and 8 nominations, respectively. While India’s official entry to the Oscars, 2018: Everyone is a hero, and the independent submission, 12th Fail, missed the mark, a notable documentary set in India has secured a nomination. To Kill a Tiger, directed by Indian-origin Canadian filmmaker Nisha Pahuja, is nominated in the Best Documentary Feature Film category.
Heartfelt Story of Justice from Jharkhand
Set in Jharkhand, To Kill a Tiger narrates the gripping story of Ranjit, a father on an unyielding quest for justice for his 13-year-old daughter. The young girl was tragically abducted and sexually assaulted by three men. The documentary, produced by Nisha Pahuja, David Oppenheim, Cornelia Principe, and Andy Cohen, boasts executive producers Dev Patel and Mindy Kaling, both Indian-origin Hollywood actors. Nisha Pahuja, originally from Delhi, has made a mark in the film industry with previous works like the Emmy-nominated documentary, The World Before Her, the three-part series Diamond Road, and the feature-length documentary Bollywood Bound.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
To Kill a Tiger made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, securing the prestigious Best Canadian Film award. Accumulating a total of 15 awards across various categories, including Best Documentary, Best Editing, and Best Soundtrack, the film has garnered acclaim at multiple film festivals.
Tough Competition and Oscar Hopefuls
Competing in the Best Documentary Feature Film category, To Kill a Tiger faces stiff competition from documentaries like The Eternal Memory, Four Daughters, Bobi Wine: The People’s President, and 20 Days in Mariupol. Last year’s Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Short Film was The Elephant Whisperers, focusing on two Indian mahouts and their elephants. The 96th Academy Awards winners will be revealed on March 10.
Marching Towards Justice
To Kill a Tiger stands out not just for its nominations but for its impactful storytelling, shedding light on the profound struggle for justice faced by a father in Jharkhand, echoing the real challenges many confront. Stay tuned for the awards ceremony on March 10, where the best in cinema will be celebrated and honored.
