Archive · 29 Nov 2025
Humans in the Loop Explores AI and Marginalized Voices
Humans in the Loop is a new movie by Aranya Sahay.
It tells the story of Nehma, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand, who works in a data-labelling center for an AI company.
The film shows how Nehma and other women like her help train AI systems, but their work is often undervalued.
The movie also talks about how AI systems might not fully understand or include different cultures and ways of life.
It's a family drama and a social commentary that asks important questions about technology and its impact on people's lives.
The film has won several awards and is available on Netflix.
Humans in the Loop is Aranya Sahay's debut film, released in 2024, focusing on AI ethics and marginalized women's roles in training AI systems.
The story follows Nehma, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand, who works in a data-labelling center for a US-based AI company.
Nehma's work involves annotating images to teach algorithms, which she does with her indigenous knowledge, subtly resisting Western-centric assumptions.
The film blends documentary-like realism with poetic flourishes, capturing the contrast between organic worlds and digital demands.
Humans in the Loop has received critical acclaim, including the FIPRESCI-India Grand Prix and Best Director at the Jagran Film Festival, and is available on Netflix.
- Who
- Aranya Sahay (director), Sonal Madhushankar (lead actress)
- What
- Humans in the Loop, a Hindi-Kurukh drama film
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Jharkhand, India
- Why
- To explore AI ethics and the role of marginalized women in training AI systems
- Director
- Aranya Sahay
- Lead Actress
- Sonal Madhushankar
- Setting
- Jharkhand, India
- AI Company
- US-based
- Awards
- FIPRESCI-India Grand Prix, Best Director at Jagran Film Festival
- Release Platforms
- Netflix, Oscar push