Filmmaker Shadab Khan is creating waves in global cinema with his Indo-Canadian documentary “I Am No Queen”, which has officially cemented its place in the 98th Academy Awards Documentary Feature race. The film, which premiered at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) to overwhelming acclaim, has already bagged 13-14 awards and sparked crucial conversations about a hidden but dangerous reality affecting young women sent abroad from India and other countries.
In a detailed conversation about the film and his journey, Khan revealed the personal and professional challenges that inspired the project. “I went to Canada from India and made this film in extreme conditions—temperatures ranging from minus 30 to 25 degrees. When I found out that I had a daughter who might also need to study abroad one day, it hit me hard. There’s a subject where girls are forced into prostitution for as little as one meal. Indian families, often middle-class, take huge loans—50 to 60 lakh rupees is normal—thinking their children will get PR or safely study abroad. Instead, they get trapped, and some even end up committing suicide,” Khan said.
The filmmaker explained how the film ended up being an official contender in the Oscars Documentary Feature category. “Normally, films have to be submitted from each country through a government body. But ‘I Am No Queen’ is a direct entry. It’s already in the race—the jury is watching it, voting for it. The social media buzz around the film is enormous. People are talking about it, and it’s creating awareness on a global scale. At TIFF, the film received huge appreciation, winning multiple awards, and even prompted local government authorities to acknowledge the mistakes in their systems, issuing letters of appreciation for highlighting the issues. That recognition helped the film reach the Oscars. It’s powerful because it’s relevant, urgent, and real,” Khan elaborated.
Khan also shed light on the struggle behind making the documentary. “We were committed to telling the story responsibly. My partners, Meenu Basi and Deep Basi, supported me through the process. They warned me about the risks, but we decided to move forward because this story needed to be told. We faced extreme weather, logistical challenges, and emotional hurdles while filming, but the impact was worth it. Seeing the real-life horrors these girls face—being misled, trapped, and exploited—was heartbreaking. Yet, it also gave me the motivation to ensure their voices are heard.”
Beyond awards and accolades, “I Am No Queen” has already created tangible social impact. Khan explained, “The documentary doesn’t just highlight the problem; it forces authorities, governments, and societies to confront it. In Canada, the authorities changed some policies after seeing the film. People in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even Western countries where similar practices exist are now aware of the exploitation of young women. This is a multi-billion-dollar global issue that is largely invisible. Our film shines a light on it.”
The documentary, co-written by Minu Basi and Shadab Khan, follows the journey of young women trapped abroad and brings to light the systemic loopholes exploited by traffickers. Khan’s approach balances cinematic storytelling with real-world urgency, creating a narrative that is both emotionally gripping and socially significant. “Our goal was to make a film that matters,” he said. “It’s not just cinema—it’s about awareness, policy change, and protecting human lives.” As the film now enters the Oscars Documentary Feature race, it represents not just a personal triumph for Khan but also a milestone for socially conscious Indian cinema. “Social media is everything,” Khan said. “It has amplified our story, and anything is possible from India. People are talking, governments are responding, and now the world is watching.” With “I Am No Queen”,
Shadab Khan has crafted a documentary that merges cinematic excellence with a hard-hitting social message. It is a testament to the power of storytelling as activism, highlighting the plight of vulnerable communities while earning international recognition. As the Oscars jury evaluates this powerful work, one thing is clear: this documentary is not just a contender—it is a movement.