Priyanka joins an impressive team of executive producers that also includes actor Andrew Scott and Tony Award-winning playwright and activist V. The film’s growing international profile has brought attention to its unusual storyline, which explores the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on ordinary working people.
Why Priyanka Chopra Jonas Came on Board
Speaking about her association with the project, Priyanka said its distinctive approach to a subject of growing relevance immediately caught her attention. She described the film as offering a refreshing and witty perspective and said she wanted to help bring the creative team’s original vision to a wider audience.
She added that joining as an executive producer was an opportunity to amplify the team’s work and ensure that the film received the recognition it deserved.
What Is ‘We Were Here’ About?
Written and directed by Pranav Bhasin, We Were Here centres on three retired men living in a small Indian town. Convinced that machines are gradually taking over human jobs, the trio comes up with an unusual form of protest: they pretend to be household appliances.
Their unconventional demonstration takes an unexpected turn when one of their children becomes associated with an artificial intelligence company. Through comedy, the short film examines concerns around automation, employment and the fear of becoming irrelevant in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
Film’s International Festival Journey and Awards
We Were Here has been screened at more than 80 international film festivals and has won over 20 awards. Among its honours are the Audience Award for Best Narrative Short and the Redbreast Unhidden Award at South by Southwest.
It also received Best Live-Action Short Film Under 15 Minutes and Best Comedy Short at the Palm Springs International ShortFest. Its recognition at Palm Springs secured the film’s eligibility for Academy Award consideration.
The short film also won the Canal Prize at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, where it made its world premiere.
The New Yorker Acquires the Short Film
Adding to its international reach, The New Yorker has acquired the film and is set to premiere it on the publication’s official YouTube channels.
Director Pranav Bhasin described the support from established names such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Andrew Scott and V as a surreal experience as the project moves into the awards season.
The film has been produced by Yash Gonsai, Dheer Momaya and Dar Gai, while SPLF Media and Aarti Lohia are presenting the project.
