Smriti Mundhra’s Documentary On Capital Punishment Shortlisted For Oscars

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – Indian American filmmaker Smriti Mundhra’s latest documentary short, I Am Ready, Warden, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars. The emotionally powerful film delves into the harrowing story of John Henry Ramirez, a man convicted of murder and sentenced to death in Texas. The documentary explores his final moments before execution, shedding light on the psychological and emotional toll of capital punishment.

Mundhra, who co-directed the project with Sami Khan, expressed her deep gratitude in a Facebook post, thanking everyone who supported the film’s journey. She previously described the project as the “toughest film” she has ever made, noting the challenges of gaining the trust of those involved and gaining access to such a painful and intimate time in their lives.

Mundhra is widely known for creating Netflix’s popular series Indian Matchmaking, which offers an inside look at the custom of matchmaking in Indian cultures. Her directorial debut, A Suitable Girl, premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival and earned her the Albert Maysles Prize for Best New Documentary Director.