Shalini Adnani’s Our Share of Sand has drawn positive reviews from international critics following its world premiere at Venice International Film Critics’ Week on Sept. 4.
The 95-minute India-UK-Greece co-production is Adnani’s debut feature. The Chilean-born, London-based filmmaker of Indian origin was previously named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow in 2025. Her short film White Ant premiered at Sundance.
The film follows 12-year-old Maya, who returns to India with her mother after spending years in the UK to reunite with her estranged father, a sand-mining businessman. She forms a bond with Kiran, a young worker at the mining operation. After an accident leaves Kiran injured, a police investigation makes Maya a key witness, forcing her to question her father’s actions and her family’s complicity.
Set against the environmental and social consequences of sand mining, the film examines class, labour, privilege, family legacy and the moral compromises associated with economic development.
Screen International’s Nikki Baughan described Our Share of Sand as a “quietly powerful debut,” praising its “lightness of touch and authentic voice.” Baughan also highlighted Maya Mehta’s performance and Adnani’s decision to approach issues including India’s class system, generational privilege and the environmental crisis through a child’s perspective.
Cineuropa’s Fabien Lemercier called the film a “brilliant debut feature,” praising Adnani’s narrative and visual command and her psychological and sociological observation. He also highlighted the film’s treatment of the human and moral costs of economic development.
The International Cinephile Society’s Marc van de Klashorst called it a fine coming-of-age story, with worker exploitation and class inequality among its strongest themes. He noted that the film’s underlying themes make it a worthwhile watch.
Our Share of Sand is produced by Fifth Mirror Pictures, Heretic and Suitable Pictures, in association with Suitable Pictures India. The cast includes Maya Mehta, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Ellora Torchia, Krish Raj More, Ravi Ranjan and Jyoti Dogra.
