Not Just a Film, A Feeling: Homebound Joins the World’s Finest on the Oscar Shortlist
Indian cinema has once again found a place on the global stage as Homebound advances to the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist while unveiling selections across 12 categories, including documentary, cinematography, sound, visual effects, original song and the newly introduced casting category. From 86 eligible countries and regions, only 15 films have made it to this crucial stage, placing Homebound among the world’s most acclaimed cinematic works of the year. For Indian cinema, this moment is more than just an awards milestone. It represents the recognition of a deeply rooted, human story that reflects the struggles, hopes and emotional conflicts faced by millions across the country.A Shortlist That Reflects Global VoicesThe International Feature Film shortlist this year showcases a diverse range of stories from across continents. Films from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Palestine, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, and Norway stand alongside India’s Homebound. Each selected title represents a unique cultural perspective, yet all share a common thread: stories grounded in human experience. Being part of this shortlist means Homebound has already passed through a rigorous preliminary voting process. Members of the Academy from all branches participate by viewing eligible films. For the final nomination round, voters who opt in must watch all 15 shortlisted films before casting their votes, ensuring that every story receives serious and equal consideration.The Story: Friendship, Dreams and Rural IndiaSet in a village in northern India, Homebound follows the lives of two childhood friends who are preparing for the national police examination. For them, the police uniform is not just a job; it represents dignity, stability, and a way out of uncertainty. In rural India, government jobs are often seen as a passport to respect, social security, and a better future, not only for individuals but for entire families. As the two friends move closer to their goal, the journey becomes emotionally demanding. Repeated setbacks, exam pressures, and the weight of expectations begin to strain their bond. What starts as a shared dream slowly turns into a test of resilience, loyalty, and belief. The film does not rely on dramatic twists or grand spectacles; instead, it quietly captures the emotional erosion that comes when hope collides with reality.Neeraj Ghaywan’s Vision and InspirationDirected by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound draws inspiration from a real-life story that first appeared as an essay in The New York Times. The essay described events that unfolded in India during the pandemic, highlighting the fragile lives of ordinary people caught between ambition and circumstance. Ghaywan saw in it a powerful foundation for a story about friendship and social realities. Speaking about the film’s origin, Ghaywan explained that he wanted to use the bond between two friends as a lens to explore larger global concerns. Migration, displacement, and the search for meaning are not limited to India; they are universal experiences. Through Homebound, he examines why people leave their homes, whether in rural India or elsewhere in the world. It is not only about jobs or money but also about identity, dignity, and the existential need to feel valued.A Mirror to India’s Youth and AspirationsOne of Homebound’s greatest strengths is its authenticity. The film reflects the lives of countless young Indians who spend years preparing for competitive examinations, often at the cost of their youth, mental health, and personal relationships. Coaching centers, repeated failures, and societal pressure form the backdrop of their daily lives. The two protagonists in Homebound could be anyone’s neighbor, cousin, or childhood friend. Their conversations, silences, and small moments of frustration feel deeply familiar. By focusing on their inner worlds, the film humanizes statistics and headlines, turning abstract issues like unemployment and migration into lived emotional experiences.Why Homebound Matters at the OscarsThe inclusion of Homebound in the Oscar shortlist is significant not just for awards season, but for the kind of stories it brings into global conversations. It highlights a cinema that is socially conscious, emotionally rich, and grounded in reality. At a time when large-scale productions often dominate attention, Homebound proves that intimate, honest storytelling still has the power to move the world. As the final nominations approach, Homebound stands as a strong reminder of cinema’s role in reflecting society. Whether or not it reaches the final five, its journey to the shortlist has already ensured that a small village in northern India, and the quiet struggles of its youth, have been seen and felt across the globe.
