Aranya Sahay’s ‘Humans in the Loop’ explores AI and tribal resilience

ARTI DAS

It’s not often that a film leaves audiences reflecting long after they’ve watched it. Humans in the Loop (2024) is one such independent film by Mumbai-based writer-director, Aranya Sahay. It was recently screened at the Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne, and stands out for its memorable and thought-provoking narrative.
The 74-minute film examines how algorithms and artificial intelligence are reshaping the lives of indigenous communities in Jharkhand. At its centre is Nehma, a young mother attempting to begin anew after separating from her husband, returning to her village with her children in search of stability and meaning.

ABOUT THE FILM
It’s a story where the human and the technological intertwine, following Nehma as she moves between the tangible world of trees, birds and mountains, and the virtual one that occupies her working life. She earns a living as a data labeller, training AI systems to recognise objects in images and videos.
One of the film’s most striking scenes sees Nehma’s supervisor point to a caterpillar and ask why she hasn’t labelled it as a ‘pest’. Nehma gently explains that it isn’t one — the creature, she says, helps the plant to survive. She goes on to draw a quiet. but profound parallel between artificial intelligence and a child: both absorb what they are taught, and both must be guided with care and intention.
Nehma’s philosophy forms the heart of the film. It’s a belief passed down from her father, rooted in her community’s understanding that everything around them — the land, the trees, the smallest of creatures — carries life, and therefore deserves care and respect.

INSIDE STORY
The film was developed under the Goa-based Storiculture Impact Fellowship, a programme that champions socially conscious storytelling in media. In its own way, the movie also reflects on the ethical use of technology and its potential to serve the greater good.
It is refreshing to encounter a story that portrays the tribal community beyond the familiar narratives of oppression and exploitation, often linked to Naxalites or corporate mining in the region. Such depictions, while rooted in reality, overlook the complexity and resilience of these communities.
The film also includes stories of resilience, such as AI centres run by tribal and indigenous women striving to sustain themselves. Its central theme draws inspiration from Karishma Mehrotra’s article, Human Touch.

GETTING NOTICED
As noted earlier, the film was screened at the Museum of Goa as part of the community programme ‘Road to 100 Screens’, which champions independent cinema. It has also received support from filmmaker Kiran Rao, who joined as executive producer, alongside National Award-winning filmmaker Biju Toppo.
The film has garnered significant acclaim, winning Best Debut Film at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF ’25), the Grand Jury Award for Best Feature at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA ’25), and Best Film at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes ’25).