We are excited to inform you that Paro – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, starring Taha Shah Badussha, has officially entered the Oscars Contention List for the 98th Academy Awards.
The film has been enlisted among a select group of international titles that have met the Academy’s qualification criteria, making it eligible for consideration across categories in the 2026 awards cycle, marking a significant milestone in its global cinematic journey.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gajendra Ahire and produced by Trupti Bhoir and Sandesh Sharda. Paro is a socially driven, hard-hitting drama that sheds light on the deeply entrenched issue of bride trafficking and forced marriage in India.
The film stars Taha Shah Badussha, Trupti Bhoir, and veteran actor Govind Namdeo and has been widely appreciated across international film circuits for its restrained, compassionate, and issue-led storytelling.
Paro has travelled widely, with screenings at the Cannes Film Festival, Oxford University, Harvard University, and across cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington and Mumbai. Received accolades across various Film festivals in Norway, Chicago, Holland and Los Angeles.
At its core, Paro is not just a film but a quiet yet powerful act of resistance. By bringing the realities of bride slavery to the forefront, it gives voice to women whose stories often remain buried in silence.
Its inclusion on the Oscars Contention List reflects a growing global appetite for purpose-driven cinema that combines artistic integrity with social urgency. The recognition places Paro firmly within the international independent cinema conversation.
Speaking about the film, Taha Shah Badussha shares: “I truly believe cinema began as a tool for social change. Somewhere along the way, we leaned heavily into entertainment, which is important, but stories like this remind us of cinema’s original power.
He adds: “Without preaching or forcing anything, cinema can make you feel, inform you, and then step back and allow you to reflect. Not every film needs to carry a message, but when it does, it should be handled responsibly. Cinema can touch hearts in ways no other medium can.”
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