Netflix picks up AI drama exposing hidden labor behind machine learning

“Humans in the Loop,” an AI impact drama by filmmaker Aranya Sahay, has secured dual U.S. distribution through Netflix streaming (starting November 10) and a limited theatrical release via One Rising (launching November 7 in Los Angeles). The film explores the hidden human cost of AI development by following an Indigenous woman working at a data annotation facility in rural India, where she trains artificial intelligence systems.

What you should know: The drama exposes the often-invisible labor force behind AI training, specifically focusing on data annotation work performed in developing countries.

• The film shadows an Indigenous woman at a rural Indian facility where workers manually label and categorize data to train AI systems.
• Data annotation involves human workers teaching AI what objects, words, or patterns mean by tagging thousands of examples—like labeling photos of cats so AI can later recognize cats on its own.
• The story aims to highlight social inequities embedded in AI development processes.

The awards positioning: The seven-day Los Angeles theatrical run through November 13 strategically positions the film for awards season consideration.

• The film has already won the Fipresci India’s Grand Prix award.
• Director Sahay will attend screenings for Q&A sessions addressing AI ethics, global labor practices, and representation.
• The campaign extends beyond theaters to university venues and community screenings.

Who’s behind it: The production brings together established industry figures and emerging voices in responsible AI advocacy.

• Indigenous filmmaker Bijjo Toppo executive produced and mentored Sahay.
• Kiran Rao, whose “Laapataa Ladies” represented India at last year’s Oscars, joined as executive producer.
• Misaq Kazimi came aboard as executive producer to lead the U.S. campaign, having previously guided Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s “The Gardener” through a similar release.

What they’re saying: Industry leaders emphasize the film’s unique approach to addressing AI ethics through storytelling.

• “‘Humans in the Loop’ has the rare ability to merge intimate human storytelling with one of the most urgent global conversations of our time: how we can prevent social inequities from making their way into AI and instead use it to enhance underrepresented voices,” said Kazimi.
• Sahay noted the film’s social relevance: “We’re thrilled to share this story with U.S. audiences and to continue the conversations it has already sparked about the invisible labor that builds AI and an inclusive lens on technology.”

The production details: Storiculture and Sauv Films produced the feature, with Mathivanan Rajendran, Sarabhi Ravichandran, and Shilpa Kumar as producers.

• Sahay developed the project through a Museum of Imagined Futures fellowship.
• The cast includes Sonal Madhushankar, Ridhima Singh, Geeta Guha, Anurag Lugun, Monika, and Sahay.
• Monica Tiwari and Harshit Saini served as cinematographers, with editing by Swaroop Reghu and Sahay.