In a proud moment for Indian cinema, the documentary feature film ‘To Kill A Tiger’ has been nominated for the 96th Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature Film category. The competition includes notable films like ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President,’ ‘The Eternal Memory,’ ‘Four Daughters,’ and ’20 Days in Mariupol.’
Directed by Nisha Pahuja from Toronto, the film sheds light on the tragic Jharkhand gangrape case, particularly the horrifying incident involving a 13-year-old girl. ‘To Kill A Tiger’ underscores the challenges faced by the parents in their relentless pursuit of justice in the aftermath of this appalling crime.
The documentary is being praised for its bold and sensitive handling of the subject matter, maintaining a strong focus on advocacy and awareness. A rare accomplishment for documentaries, the film even enjoyed a theatrical release in North America last year.
The official synopsis captures the essence of the film: ‘To Kill a Tiger charts the emotional journey of an ordinary man facing extraordinary circumstances. A father whose love for his daughter forces a social reckoning that will reverberate for years to come.’
The star-studded team of executive producers, including Dev Patel, Mindy Kaling, and Rupi Kaur, has contributed to the film’s success and impact. The selection jury at TIFF commended the documentary, stating, “It’s not easy to film love. In Nisha Pahuja’s ‘To Kill A Tiger,’ a father defends his daughter, and together they change a village, a country, and, maybe, the world.”
Director Nisha Pahuja shared her perspective, saying, “The film was a record of a very painful time in their lives — but it also captured the immense love and strength of an exceptional family who had nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide.”
On March 10th, the 96th Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The award show will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.