Shine Global Wins Two Anthem Awards for Impactful Storytelling

Shine Global is proud to announce that it has won two 2025 Anthem Awards, which celebrate purpose- and mission-driven work from around the world, for our films and impact campaigns for Anuja and Comedy Against the Odds.

Anuja was named a Gold Winner in Human & Civil Rights: Documentary or Film, and Comedy Against the Odds received a Silver Award in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Documentary or Film.

“These awards are especially meaningful as they recognize Shine Global’s mission to harness the power of film to improve children’s lives,” said Shine Global Co-CEO and Creative Director Alexandra Blaney. “We’re honored that both Anuja and Comedy Against the Odds are resonating with both audiences and leaders across the social impact landscape.”

Comedy Against the Odds, directed by Suzanne Luna, is a short documentary that celebrates 10-year-old comic Austin Eletto and promotes autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Through nationwide screenings, toolkits, media partnerships, and strategic collaborations with Chuck E. Cheese, Autism Speaks, and ReelAbilities Film Festival the film and campaign activated families, educators, and advocates to engage with stories that reframe neurodiversity.  A highlight of the campaign was the release of PSA spots starring Austin with Chuck E. Cheese that aired in 500+ locations as well as family and sensory-friendly screenings that engaged 450+ in-person during Autism Awareness Month.

Anuja, an Oscar-nominated short film written and directed by Adam J. Graves, follows a young girl in Delhi torn between child labor and education. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of child labor and girls education and integrated global streaming on Netflix, PR and social media amplification, influencer and celebrity engagement, strategic partnerships, educational tools, and targeted advocacy to use the film to drive awareness and catalyze real-world change. Anuja and the campaign reached an estimated 14 million people, earned an Oscar nomination, raised $20,000 for street children in Delhi, and received widespread acclaim.

“i want to dedicate this award to Sajda Pathan,” says writer/director Adam J. Graves as her “daring performance as Anuja reminds us that cinema as an art form has a unique power to change the very world it reflects.”

The 5th Annual Anthem Awards received more than 2,000 submissions from 42 countries, underscoring the global momentum behind storytelling that drives change.  Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, whose judges for the 2025 competition include leaders from across philanthropy, media, design, social impact, and global brands.

Shine Global congratulates the entire creative teams of Anuja and Comedy Against the Odds, as well as the young people and families who shared their stories. We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to telling stories that foster empathy, inspire action, and improve the lives of children everywhere.