Short Film Jadugoda Set for Global Premiere on International Day Against Nuclear Tests
Mumbai, Aug 28 (TheTrendingPeople) – Ultra Media & Entertainment Group has announced the worldwide release of its award-winning short film “Jadugoda”, a deeply moving portrayal of the struggles faced by tribal communities living around India’s uranium mining belt. The film will premiere globally on August 29, coinciding with the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, on Ultra Bollywood’s YouTube platform and Ultra Play OTT.
A Story Rooted in Real Struggles
Directed by young filmmaker Satish Munda, “Jadugoda” draws inspiration from real-life experiences of local communities living in and around uranium mines in Jharkhand. The film highlights how uranium mining, which began in the 1990s to fuel India’s nuclear ambitions, has left behind a trail of health hazards, displacement, and socio-economic struggles for tribal populations.
Speaking about his inspiration, Munda said:
“Having grown up in Ranchi, barely 150 km away from Jadugoda, I was familiar with the haunting stories of this land. Once known as the ‘land of magic,’ Jadugoda turned into what many locals call a man-made hell when uranium mining began. Our short film does not take a political stand but raises an essential question: Is development truly possible without declination?”
International Recognition
Even before its global release, “Jadugoda” has made a mark on the international film festival circuit. The film won the TATA Best Short Fiction Award and the Samuel Lawrence Foundation Award for Best Young Filmmaker (Uranium) in 2024.
It has also been screened at prestigious festivals such as:
- Ecoproformance (International)
- Kaalimantan, Indonesia
- Kino Festival
- Pune Short Film Festival
- Signs Film Festival, Kerala
- Stuttgart Film Festival
These recognitions underline the film’s strong global resonance, especially on issues of nuclear safety, environment, and indigenous rights.
Ultra Media’s Commitment to Meaningful Cinema
Mr. Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, emphasized the company’s vision in supporting socially relevant narratives:
“Jadugoda is a poignant reminder of how development often comes at an unseen human cost. At Ultra, we believe cinema is not just entertainment—it is a medium that sparks dialogue and gives voice to stories that need to be heard. Releasing the film on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests is our way of amplifying its message to the world.”
Why This Film Matters
The timing of “Jadugoda”’s release is significant. The International Day Against Nuclear Tests, observed annually on August 29, seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear testing and promote a nuclear-free world. By aligning its release with this globally recognized day, the film gains a powerful platform to highlight how uranium mining has affected marginalized communities in India.
Environmental activist Anjali Sharma noted, “Films like Jadugoda play a critical role in bringing invisible struggles to light. While nuclear energy has its strategic importance, the stories of those who silently suffer around these mines must not be forgotten.”
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
With “Jadugoda”, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group is not only offering a cinematic experience but also presenting a mirror to society, urging viewers to reflect on the price of progress. By choosing to release it on a day dedicated to nuclear awareness, the film stands as both art and activism, ensuring that the voices of Jadugoda’s people echo beyond borders.