Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Telugu Film O’Sey Balamma Selected for Sundance 2026
A short film called O’Sey Balamma, made by Raman Nimmala, has been chosen to be shown at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
This is a big deal because it's the first Telugu-language film to be selected for this famous festival.
The film is about the relationship between a matriarch and her housekeeper in a village.
It doesn't have big dramatic moments but focuses on small, everyday interactions.
The title itself has a special meaning, showing both affection and the social hierarchy between the two women.
Raman Nimmala made this film while studying in the US, and it was shot in a real village home with the help of local people.
This film is important because it shows that stories from small villages, told in regional languages, can be appreciated by people all over the world.
O’Sey Balamma is the first Telugu-language film selected for the Sundance Film Festival, chosen from nearly 14,000 submissions.
The film, directed by Raman Nimmala, focuses on the relationship between a matriarch and her housekeeper in a village household.
It was shot in a real village home in Neradigunta, India, with the support of local filmmakers and community members.
Nimmala made the film while pursuing his MFA at Columbia University, blending his formal training with his cultural roots.
The film's title, O’Sey Balamma, reflects the complex emotional dynamics between the two main characters.
- Who
- Raman Nimmala, director of O’Sey Balamma
- What
- Selection of O’Sey Balamma for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival
- When
- 2026 Sundance Film Festival
- Where
- Neradigunta, India (filming), Sundance Film Festival (screening)
- Why
- To showcase the film's intimate portrayal of a Telugu village household and its social dynamics
- Film Title
- O’Sey Balamma
- Director
- Raman Nimmala
- Language
- Telugu
- Festival
- Sundance Film Festival 2026
- Submissions
- 14,000
- Selected Short Films
- 54
- Filming Location
- Neradigunta, India
- Producers
- Bunny Vas (BunnyVasWorks) and Srija Edida (Poornodaya Films)