TRANSFORMING CHILDREN’S LIVES

THROUGH FILM

Shine Global improves the lives of children by telling powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change.

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Shine Global Joins 100 Organizations in Letter Decrying Cuts to ILAB Grants to Address Child Labor and Forced Labor

Shine Global has joined more than 100 civil society organizations to call on the US Department of Labor to continue fighting forced labor and child labor. Recent cuts of $500 million in funding for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), whose federally-funded programs play a critical role in fighting forced labor and child labor globally, undermines U.S. leadership, eviscerates protections for vulnerable workers, and hobbles the fight against exploitation.

Shine Global Statement in Response to Secretary Kennedy’s Comments About Autistic People

At Shine Global, we are deeply disheartened by Secretary Kennedy’s recent remarks regarding autistic individuals. His characterization of autism as a barrier to meaningful contribution stands in stark contrast to what we’ve witnessed firsthand through our work – especially with our film Comedy Against the Odds starring a 10-year-old stand up comic with autism.

Chuck E. Cheese, Shine Global, And Autism Speaks Partner to Champion Inclusivity During World Autism Month

Shine Global is partnering with Chuck E. Cheese and Autism Speaks to celebrate World Autism Month with special film screenings, fundraisers, and exclusive content aimed at promoting awareness and inclusivity for children on the spectrum. 

Shine Global and ReelAbilities Film Festival Announce Children’s Resilience in Disability Stories Award for Remedial script by Laurie J. Gardiner

Shine Global is proud to announce that filmmaker Laurie J. Gardiner has been awarded the Children’s Resilience in Disability Stories Award at ReelAbilities 2025 for her script proposal Remedial. This prestigious award, which includes a $2,500 prize, recognizes films that highlight the resilience and strength of children with disabilities.

Anuja Nominated for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short

Shine Global is thrilled to share that Anuja has been nominated for Best Live Action Short at the 97th Academy Awards.

Anuja, crafted by husband-and-wife team Adam J. Graves (writer/director) and Suchitra Mattai (producer), tells a stirring tale of two sisters struggling to find joy and opportunity in a world intent on their exploitation and exclusion. This powerful short follows Anuja, a precocious nine-year-old orphan who works in a back-alley garment factory alongside her older sister Palak, when she is suddenly faced with a rare opportunity that will determine the fate of her future and family. The film can soon be seen worldwide on Netflix.

Who we are

About Us


Shine Global is a non-profit media company. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children and their families. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

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Shine Global aims to harness the power of documentary film as a dynamic force for positive change by creating a full outreach and engagement campaign for each of our films.

Projects

Our Latest Films


Shine Global’s mission is to improve the lives of children by telling powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change​.

Comedy Against the Odds

10-year-old Austin has Autism. He’s also an aspiring stand-up comic. This short documentary spotlights the struggle of growing up with labels, and how Austin uses comedy to embrace and overcome them.  More Info

Home is Somwhere Else

Home is Somewhere Else

An animated feature documentary providing a window into the hearts and minds of ​​immigrant youth and their undocumented families. This 2D feature “animentary” features three personal stories about immigrant youth to highlight the complexities and challenges they face today. Voiced by the actual children and their families, the stories are woven together by spoken word poet Lalo “El Deportee.” Now booking screenings for schools and communities.
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Anuja

Anuja follows a gifted nine-year-old girl and her 17-year-old sister, Palak, as they work in a garment factory in Delhi, India. When a teacher offers Anuja a chance to attend an elite boarding school, the sisters must navigate challenges that test their resilience and bond, culminating in a decision faced by countless young girls worldwide. This Oscar-nominated short film is available to watch on Netflix. More Info