“Humans in the Loop” Aranya Sahay’s Critically Acclaimed Film on AI and Human Labor to Stream Globally on Netflix from October 31
The critically acclaimed film Humans in the Loop, directed by Aranya Sahay, is set to stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix starting October 31. The film, praised for its poignant portrayal of an Adivasi woman’s encounter with artificial intelligence, will reach audiences across 190 countries, with its U.S. premiere on November 10.
Backed by Storiculture’s Impact Fellowship and Sauv Films, and supported by the Museum of Imagined Futures, Humans in the Loop follows the story of an Adivasi (indigenous) woman in rural India who works at a data-labelling center, helping train AI systems. Through her journey, the film sheds light on the unseen human and emotional labor that powers the global AI industry, blending the personal with the political.
The film is executive produced by National Award-winning filmmaker Biju Toppo and acclaimed filmmaker-producer Kiran Rao, both of whom were instrumental in shaping its successful theatrical run.
“From the very first time I saw Humans in the Loop, I was moved by its honesty and vision,” said Kiran Rao. “It speaks to the invisible labour that powers our modern world—with such tenderness and urgency. I’m thrilled that the film will now find a global home on Netflix, reaching audiences everywhere who will see a part of themselves in its story. It’s a rare film, intimate and political at once, and I couldn’t be prouder to have been part of its journey.”
Director Aranya Sahay shared, “Being on Netflix feels like a powerful next step for Humans in the Loop. The film was always meant to start conversations about the invisible human labor that builds AI, and Netflix gives us the opportunity to take that dialogue to a truly global audience. It’s wonderful to know that more viewers can now engage with its themes and reflect on the people behind the technology.”
A festival favorite and recipient of multiple Best Film awards, Humans in the Loop also won the FIPRESCI India Award and continues to earn international acclaim for its nuanced exploration of technology, ethics, and representation. The film reframes the global conversation around who truly builds artificial intelligence, humanizing the unseen workforce behind the digital revolution.
