Independent Film ‘Humans In The Loop’ Gains Momentum
‘It’s unrealistic to suggest that human thought will become subordinate.’
IMAGE: Aranya Sahay and Sonal Madhushankar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Aranya Sahay
Writer-director Aranya Sahay is making significant strides with her film Humans In The Loop, which has garnered attention following its theatrical release in the United States. The film is now eligible for Oscar consideration in the Best Screenplay category and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
In an interview with Dinesh Raheja, Sahay expressed her belief in the potential of independent cinema, stating, “If independent films resonate emotionally, we can create impactful works that reach audiences over time. What we do now will echo a decade later.”
Acclaim and Audience Reception
Your film is receiving praise from critics, film festivals, and notable figures like Shabana Azmi. What are you most excited about during this successful phase?
We have received overwhelming support, to the point that our partners in Los Angeles are considering a second week of screenings.
We were awarded the Sloan Distribution Grant, which is designated for science-based films; Oppenheimer had previously received this honor.
This grant allowed us to launch the film theatrically, and it was also listed among the Top 5 international films streaming on Netflix by The New York Times.
While this recognition is thrilling, I am also focused on the next steps and what needs to be accomplished to further our goals.
Balancing Promotion and Creation
Do you view promotions as an essential aspect of filmmaking, or are you eager to return to the creative process?
I find it somewhat frustrating that I cannot devote as much time to writing and creating as I would like, as my current focus is on logistics and strategy.
While I am a bit impatient, I understand that this promotional phase is vital for the film’s success, and I am committed to seeing it through.
IMAGE: Sonal Madhushankar in Humans In The Loop.
The Challenges of Independent Filmmaking
Independent filmmakers often face additional challenges in reaching audiences. Can you elaborate on your marketing process and the involvement of Netflix and Kiran Rao?
Indeed, independent filmmakers must exert considerable effort—often more than threefold—compared to commercial films featuring established stars. At our premiere at the MAMI film festival, 80-90 attendees out of 300 wrote personal essays about their experience on Instagram.
This positive response indicated that we needed to consistently showcase the film. However, film festivals occur infrequently, so we opted for a community-driven rollout.
We screened the film 100 times across India and the US, which eventually led Kiran Rao to see it. She joined as an executive producer and encouraged us toward a theatrical release, culminating in our Netflix debut.
Creative Control in Filmmaking
What motivated you to pursue independent filmmaking?
I am not exclusively pursuing independent filmmaking; rather, I am focused on creating films that allow me to maintain a degree of creative control.
IMAGE: Sonal Madhushankar in Humans In The Loop.
Choosing the Film’s Title
What led you to select an English title for a film set in the lush landscapes of Jharkhand, focusing on a tribal mother whose expertise in local flora clashes with the AI company she works for?
Humans In The Loop is a term from the field of AI, signifying that while training algorithms, human oversight is essential for course correction.
Personal Connections to Nature
Is it a coincidence that your name, Aranya, means forest, and your film addresses ecological themes?
It is somewhat coincidental. My mother was a sociologist, and my father was stationed in Aizawl during her studies, which likely influenced my name inspired by the surrounding forests.
I have always been familiar with forest landscapes, having spent considerable time trekking with my father during childhood. I discovered the specific locations in Jharkhand through this film.
Core Message of the Film
What central message do you wish to convey through your film?
We stand at a pivotal moment where we can train AI to embody human values. Algorithms have the potential to represent diverse people, ideas, and ideologies with empathy.
IMAGE: Sonal Madhushankar and Gita Guha in Humans In The Loop.
The Future of Human Thought
How significant do you believe the risk is that individual human thought could become subordinate to predetermined algorithms or data sets?
I think it’s exaggerated to claim that human thought will become subordinate. It presents a fascinating paradox. We are limited by the data that can be digitized, but much knowledge is passed through personal experiences, which will make us unique rather than subordinate.
Choosing an Uplifting Narrative
I’m pleased that you opted for a hopeful ending instead of a tragic one, which many believe is more impactful.
This decision was intentional; as a filmmaker, I prefer to leave audiences with a sense of hope rather than despair, encouraging the belief that circumstances can improve.
Budget Constraints and Casting Choices
Did your limited budget influence your casting and production values?
Absolutely. We completed the shoot in just 12 days.
Exploring Acting
You also acted in Humans In The Loop. Was that a Hitchcockian touch, or do you see yourself as an actor as well?
I stepped into that role out of necessity when the original actor was unavailable. I enjoyed the experience and may consider pursuing acting further if given the opportunity.
IMAGE: Aranya Sahay, Kiran Rao, Monica Tiwari, and Sonal Madhushankar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Aranya Sahay
Confidence in Casting
What gave you the confidence to cast Sonal Madhushankar, a talented newcomer, as the lead?
The decision to cast a new face was crucial; we needed an exceptional performer for this role. I auditioned Sonal five to six times, and she consistently delivered outstanding performances.
Future Projects
What projects are you currently working on?
I am developing a film titled Mayapuri, along with another concept for a superhero film. Although the latter presents a larger scale, it poses similar challenges to Humans In The Loop.
Independent Filmmaking in India
What are the opportunities and challenges facing independent filmmakers in India?
The primary advantage lies in creative control. You are accountable only to yourself and those you choose to collaborate with. However, a significant challenge is that a beautifully crafted film may still struggle to secure distribution.
I believe that if independent cinema resonates emotionally, we can create impactful films that reach audiences over time. What we and others in the independent scene do now will have lasting significance.
Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff
