From Tamil Nadu to the Oscars: 'Amma’s Pride' takes Indian trans narrative to global stage

By Jag Jivan*

The award-winning documentary film from India, "", has qualified for the 98ᵗʰ Academy Awards® in the , emerging as the only Indian trans-centeredstory to enter this year’s Oscar race. Directed by , the film has been steadily gaining global attention by prioritising community engagement and emotional impact rather than conventional promotional strategy.

"Amma’s Pride" follows the real-life story of , a mother in , and her daughter , a trans woman whose journey toward love, marriage, and legal recognition is met with steadfast support from her family. The documentary reframes the narrative commonly associated with transgender representation in Indian cinema, choosing to focus on affirmation and familial solidarity rather than tragedy. The film has resonated deeply with audiences around the world, creating conversations about acceptance, rights, identity, and belonging.

The film first received significant recognition after winning Best Short Documentary at the International Documentary & Shorts Film Festival of Kerala, where the jury described it as “a story about what it means to love and be loved in a fractured world.” Since then, it has been screened more than 60 times across continents — including in Antarctica — through partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organisations, activists, educational institutions, and community networks. Review platform listed "Amma’s Pride" as a top contender among Oscar hopefuls, noting its relevance amid global political debates over .

"Amma’s Pride" has also travelled to international audiences through the at the 55ᵗʰ International Film Festival of India (IFFI). It was later included in cultural exchange programmes organised by the in , , and , positioning the film as a representative of Indian cultural diplomacy and as a catalyst for dialogue on trans rights.

The film team has built an extensive impact campaign spanning India, Sri Lanka, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in collaboration with organisations such as , , , , , and , among others. Through these partnerships, the documentary has moved beyond traditional festival circuits into corporate offices, universities, legal and medical institutions, and community spaces.

In October 2025, the film collective launched the digital event "", a 48-hour global showcase viewed in 13 countries and more than 275,000 online engagements. In November 2025, the team conducted screenings across Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, New York, Oxford, Beijing, Toronto, and virtual events in India and the UK, culminating in a public screening and panel discussion in with Naz Foundation, , and the focusing on the future of trans rights and .

Speaking about the film’s message, Valli says, “Parents should support their trans children. I'll have the greatest satisfaction when that becomes the norm.” Srija adds, “My only hope is that everyone treats trans people like any other people — the same way you treat your friends, your amma, or your appa. Then everything will change in the world. That’s all I ask.” Director Shiva Krish describes the story as a quiet revolution, saying, “In choosing to stand by her daughter, she challenges centuries of social conditioning — showing how allyship begins at home.” Lead producer states that the campaign has shown that “impact is not abstract — it’s relational. Every screening has opened a room, a conversation, a shift.”

Critics have responded strongly to the film. called the documentary “political, tender and riotous,” recognising its ability to spark advocacy beyond the theatre experience. The film’s thematic depth and emotional honesty have been consistently highlighted in global reviews.

The creative team behind the project includes director Shiva Krish, known for his work on the Amazon Prime Video series ""; lead producer Chithra Jeyaram, director of feature documentaries including ""; producer , a writer and performer whose screen work includes "Transparent" and "Sense8"; and Ahaanaa Malhotra, co-producer and impact campaign leader, spearheading the upcoming "#PathToPride" initiative. Music is composed by BAFTA Breakthrough Talent Karthikeya Murthy, known for his work on theatrical and digital productions including "KD (a) Karuppudurai" and "Putham Pudhu Kaalai: Vidiyaadha".

As "Amma’s Pride" continues its international run, the filmmakers emphasise that their core purpose remains unchanged: building a world in which stories of trans joy, dignity, and family acceptance are seen as ordinary rather than exceptional.

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*Freelance writer

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