Filmmaker Kiran Rao and actress Dia Mirza have achieved a notable milestone with their films ‘Humans in the Loop’ and ‘Panha’ being selected for premieres at The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF).
About “Humans in the Loop”
Executive produced by Kiran Rao, “Humans in the Loop” reflects her commitment to socially conscious and innovative storytelling. Kiran shared her insights on the film, stating, “This film speaks to the times we live in, where human intuition and indigenous wisdom are often overlooked in our race toward automation. It’s a reminder that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.” She expressed her enthusiasm for ALT EFF, saying, “I’m thrilled that a festival that deeply values such conversations is showcasing Humans in the Loop this year.”
This film explores the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and indigenous wisdom. Following the journey of an Adivasi woman working as an AI data laborer, it raises crucial questions about the human cost of technological advancement and the significance of traditional knowledge in a rapidly digitizing world.
About “Panha”
On the other hand, “Panha” presents a deeply emotional narrative about a young boy in a Maharashtrian village whose family’s mango farm is threatened by bullet train construction. The short film poignantly illustrates the tension between development and tradition, tackling themes of displacement, loss, and the resilience of rural communities.
Dia Mirza, who plays a key role in “Panha,” expressed her connection to the story: “Panha is a story very close to my heart because it reflects what so many communities across India are experiencing, the delicate struggle between progress and preservation.”
Excitement from ALT EFF
Anaka, the Programming Director and Co-founder of ALT EFF, voiced her excitement about showcasing these powerful narratives: “At ALT EFF, we believe in showcasing stories that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought about the way we coexist with our environment.”
She further emphasized the importance of both films, stating, “Both Panha and Humans in the Loop reflect the diversity of India’s storytelling — one rooted in the soil of our villages, the other in the digital landscapes of the future, yet both carry the same urgent message of balance and empathy.”