I’M NOT A ROBOT Lands on the 97th Oscars® Shortlist for Best Live Action Short Film

We are thrilled to announce that I’m Not a Robot, the critically acclaimed short film by writer-director Victoria Warmerdam, has been shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards® in the Best Live Action Short Film category! Out of 180 qualified films, only 15 have made it to this prestigious stage, marking a significant milestone in the film’s incredible journey.

I’m Not a Robot tells the darkly comedic and existential story of Lara, a music producer who faces a surreal identity crisis after repeatedly failing CAPTCHA tests—those seemingly simple “I’m not a robot” challenges we encounter online. As Lara dives deeper into her obsession, she begins to question her very humanity. Could she really be a robot? Or is something more profound at play? With its blend of dark humor, genre-bending style, and timely commentary, the film has resonated with audiences and critics worldwide.

The short film features an outstanding cast, including Ellen Parren, whose captivating performance brilliantly balances comedy and emotional depth. The ensemble also includes Henry van Loon, Thekla Reuten, Juliette van Ardenne, Asma El Mouden, Sophie Höppener, Joep Vermolen, and Sieger Sloot. Key creative contributions come from Martijn van Broekhuizen (Cinematography), Michiel Boesveldt (Editing), Merlijn Snitker (Music), and Thijs van der Heijden (Costumes).

The short film was produced by Trent of OAK Motion Pictures and co-produced by Henry Gillet of The Y-House Films. It has the backing of The New Yorker, which acquired the film earlier this year, and was funded by the Netherlands Film Fund, the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, and the Belgian Tax Shelter.

Kim Magnusson, a two-time Oscar winner and seasoned producer with a remarkable track record, has joined the short as Executive Producer. Magnusson, along with Tobias Weymar of Rearview Pictures, will also produce the feature film adaptation of I’m Not a Robot. The feature, currently in development, will expand upon the short’s themes of identity, technology, and humanity, while maintaining its darkly comedic tone. The project is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund, TorinoFilmLab, FilmForward, and ACE Producers.

Writer-director Victoria Warmerdam, represented by Entertainment 360, is widely recognized as one of the Netherlands’ most promising filmmakers. Known for her sharp wit and unique approach to storytelling, her previous works, including Short Calf Muscle and Mustachio, have garnered over 100 awards at renowned festivals such as Rhode Island, Leeds, and LA Shorts.

Since its premiere, I’m Not a Robot has won five Oscar-qualifying festivals, including Sitges, Bengaluru, Leuven, Flickerfest, and San Jose, and has been celebrated for its originality and thought-provoking narrative.

The inclusion of I’m Not a Robot on the Oscars® shortlist is a testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work of the entire cast and crew. The nominations announcement on January 17, 2025, will be the next exciting milestone in this journey.

Stay tuned as I’m Not a Robot continues to captivate hearts and minds, one CAPTCHA at a time.