Official Selection, Sundance Film Festival 2025

Sripadh Puligilla stars as Anubhhav in Debaters, an official selection of the Sundance 2025 Short Film Program. Written and directed by Alex Heller, the film features J. Smith-Cameron and Kenneth Lonergan.

Logline: Congressional debate attracts some of the most brilliant high school students in the country, and the most unqualified adults to judge. This is Anubhav's first tournament and he's terrified of speaking. When a bitter judge puts him on the spot about minimum wage, he must prove himself in front of a bloodthirsty chamber of debaters.

Written and Directed by Alex Heller

Cast: Sripadh Puligilla, J. Smith Cameron, Kenneth Lonergan, Bernadette Santos Schwegel

Produced by Full Spectrum Features

In the press

“The film has turned Sripadh Puligilla as a talent to watch”

— The Global Indian (Read Article)

“Debaters” is a reminder of the power of connection and the importance of listening, even when it’s hard”

— The Daily Utah Chronicle (Read Article)

“There’s never a shortage of hidden gems in the Sundance Film Festival‘s short film program”

—The Hollywood Reporter(Read Article)

Spotlight on Debaters and Alex Heller

—Cinema Femme(Read Article)

Now on Tour!

Debaters is now screening around the country as part of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour. From June 2025 to February 2026, find a screening near you!

Screenings