We Were Here: Priyanka Chopra backs Oscar-qualified Indian short film exploring AI's threat to human jobs

In a world driven by AI, it is not uncommon for creative artists to be associated with projects revolving around this concerning theme. While AI has certainly made our lives easier, it also poses a threat to human-oriented jobs as automated tools risk replacing individuals with algorithmically generated content. Now, there is a short Indian film that centres around this concept. Global icon Priyanka Chopra has donned the producer’s cap, joining Fleabag actor Andrew Scott for the film, We Were Here.

All about Priyanka Chopra-produced Indian short film

We Were Here, directed by Pranav Bhasin, has been qualified for the Oscars too, as per a report by The Hollywood Reporter. Tony-winning activist-playwright V also serves as one of the executive producers. The witty mockumentary is set in a small town in India where 3 retirees fear AI taking over the job market.

These 3 retired men are certain that AI-powered machines are slowly stealing human jobs. As a result, they start a protest by posing as household appliances. But their campaign is thrown off course when one of their kids, ironically, lands a job at an artificial intelligence company.

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We Were Here cast details

Satish Kashyap, Devendra Dodke and Arindol Bagchi are the lead cast, with Shubham Kujur, Kalpana Gagdekar and Yash Gonsai appearing as supporting cast. Speaking about We Were Here, Priyanka revealed that the film’s ‘refreshing, witty’ narrative made her say yes to the project.

‘I jumped at the opportunity to come on board as an executive producer to amplify this creative team and ensure their brilliant, original vision gets the spotlight it deserves,’ noted Priyanka, as reported by Variety.

We Were Here awards and premiere

We Were Here was screened in over 80 festivals, collecting more than 20 awards. The film bagged the Canal+ Prize at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, followed by winning the audience award for best narrative at SXSW.

When Palm Springs International ShortFest crowned We Were Here with the best live-action short under 15 minutes and best comedy short, the film became eligible for Academy Award consideration. As per reports, We Were Here will premiere on the official YouTube channels of The New Yorker.