Karishma Dev Dube’s short film Bittu makes Oscar shortlist

Karishma Dev Dube’s award-winning short film Bittu has made the Oscar shortlist in the Live Action Short Film category. It is one of ten shorts that will go on to be nominated for the big prize; 174 films were originally qualified to compete in the category.

Dube’s film won the silver medal in the Narrative (Domestic Film Schools) category at the 47th Student Academy Awards last year.

Set in a small Himalayan community, the short follows an eight-year-old girl Bittu (Rani Kumari) whose mischievous ways often land her in trouble. Bittu has learning difficulties and when she is ridiculed by classmates, including her best friend Chand, she lashes out, leading her to be severely punished. However, her punishment may have saved her from a more tragic fate.

Bittu is based on a fatal poisoning incident in a Bihar government school in 2013. The short film is being presented by the Indian Women Rising collective, which was founded by producers Ekta Kapoor and Guneet Monga and filmmaker Tahira Kashyap.

Bittu review: Poignant film about the loss of friendship

In a statement, Dube said, “It’s every filmmaker’s dream to be recognised by the Academy,  and I’m overwhelmed by the gratitude. This recognition, however, is not mine alone, I made this film with an incredible cast and crew, all of whom I’m so grateful for. I’m just very happy that Bittu is able to represent this team and my country on this platform."

Indian Women Rising stated that its members were exhilarated, proud and overwhelmed to witness the journey of Bittu unfold so gracefully. "Karishma Dev Dube's excellent storytelling compelled us to come on board for the project and now as the world is recognising and appreciating the efforts we are nothing but proud of the film and the entire team that made it possible to achieve this feat. We are all geared up for the next steps that lay ahead of us in this journey and look forward to the continued support we received so far. Truly humbled," the collective said in a statement.

Malayalam film Jallikattu (2019), directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, was also in the running for Academy Award for the Best International Feature Film. However, it did not make the cut this time around. The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on 15 March.