Priyanka Chopra Jonas Comes On Board ‘We Were Here’ as Film Eyes Academy Awards

Actor-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas has joined Indian short film We Were Here, directed by Pranav Bhasin, as an executive producer, lending her support to the project as it prepares for its Academy Awards campaign.

The film, which has won more than 20 awards on the international festival circuit, has also brought on board actor Andrew Scott and Tony Award-winning playwright and activist V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, as executive producers. Chopra Jonas said she was drawn to the film's distinctive and timely take on a subject gaining increasing relevance.

“This film offers a refreshing, witty take on a subject that feels very timely,” she said in a statement, adding that she wanted to support the creative team and help bring its original vision to a wider audience.

Written and directed by Bhasin, We Were Here follows three retired men in a small Indian town who fear that machines are taking over human jobs. In an unusual act of protest, they pretend to be household appliances. Their resistance takes an unexpected turn when one of their children joins an artificial intelligence company.

The comedy explores technology, employment and the fear of becoming obsolete, presenting the impact of technological change through the lives of ordinary people.

The short film has screened at more than 80 international festivals. Its accolades include the Audience Award for Best Narrative Short and the Redbreast Unhidden Award at South by Southwest (SXSW), along with Best Live-Action Short Film Under 15 Minutes and Best Comedy Short at Palm Springs International ShortFest.

Its recognition at Palm Springs secured its eligibility for Academy Award consideration. The film also won the Canal+ Prize at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, where it had its world premiere.

The New Yorker has acquired the film and will premiere it on the publication's official YouTube channels. Bhasin said it was surreal to receive support from established names such as Chopra Jonas, Scott and V as the film enters the awards season.

The film is produced by Yash Gonsai, Dheer Momaya and Dar Gai, and presented by SPLF Media and Aarti Lohia.