Kavi (2009)
An Oscar-nominated short film about a boy's desperate bid for freedom from bonded labor in an Indian brick kiln.
Kavi - Movie Information
- Original Title: Kavi
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Gregg Helvey
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 19m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 17, 2009 (United States - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Кави (RU)
- Production Countries: United States of America, India
Kavi - Plot
The story of a young boy who attempts to escape from the brick kiln where he is forced to work as a bonded labor slave in India.
Kavi - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see this haunting story unfold:
Not all prisons have bars.
Where to Watch Kavi
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Kavi - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gregg Helvey
Main Cast
- Sagar Salunke
- Ulhas Tayade
- Rajesh Kumar
- Madhavi Juvekar
- Dibyendu Bhattacharya
- Rishi Raj Singh
- Mukesh Bharati
Writers
- Gregg Helvey
Producers
- Gregg Helvey
- Guneet Monga
- Tom Rice
- Harish Amin
Kavi - FAQs
Is Kavi based on a true story?
Kavi is not based on one specific true story, but it is deeply rooted in the very real crisis of bonded labor in India. Director Gregg Helvey drew on documented accounts of child slavery in brick kilns, where millions of workers remain trapped in debt bondage — a practice that continues to this day.
Was Kavi nominated for an Academy Award?
Yes! Kavi earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 82nd Oscars in 2010. The nomination brought significant international attention to the film's urgent subject matter — child bonded labor in India — and helped amplify its humanitarian message to a global audience.
What is Kavi about?
Kavi follows a young boy forced to work as a bonded labor slave at a brick kiln in India. Trapped in a cycle of debt and exploitation, he dares to dream of freedom and attempts a daring escape. The film is a tense, emotionally resonant portrait of resilience against systemic oppression.
Where can you stream Kavi for free?
You can watch Kavi for free on Kanopy, a streaming platform available through many public libraries and universities. It's a great option if you want to experience this Oscar-nominated short film without any subscription cost — just check if your local library provides Kanopy access.
How long is the short film Kavi?
Kavi runs for just 19 minutes, making it a compact but deeply affecting watch. Despite its brief runtime, the film packs an extraordinary emotional punch, delivering a fully realized story of childhood, captivity, and the desperate human longing for freedom in under 20 minutes.
Who directed Kavi and where was it filmed?
Kavi was written and directed by Gregg Helvey, an American filmmaker. The film was shot on location in India, capturing the harsh, dusty reality of brick kiln labor with striking authenticity. The production involved both American and Indian crew members, lending the film a genuine sense of place.
Who are the main actors in Kavi?
Sagar Salunke leads the cast as the young Kavi, with Ulhas Tayade playing the menacing Boss and Rajesh Kumar and Madhavi Juvekar as his parents. Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Rishi Raj Singh appear as social workers, while Mukesh Bharati rounds out the cast as the Guard.
What is the age rating for Kavi?
Kavi is rated PG in the United States. While the film deals with serious themes of child labor and exploitation, its PG rating reflects that it handles these subjects with restraint and sensitivity, making it accessible for older children and teenagers — particularly in educational settings.
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