Filmmakers Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata have made headlines by winning an Oscar for their short film “Two People Exchanging Saliva” in the Live-Action Short Film category. This year’s Oscars ceremony featured a rare occurrence, as the award was shared with “The Singers,” directed by Sam A Davis and Jack Piatt.
Alexandre Singh was born in 1980 in Bordeaux, France, to a Punjabi father who immigrated to the United Kingdom in the 1960s. Singh’s father married a French woman, fostering a multicultural family background. After studying fine arts at the University of Oxford, Singh has continued to explore his artistic roots.
In a recent statement, Singh expressed the challenges his father faced as an immigrant. He remarked on the difficulty of integrating into British society during the 1960s, highlighting the transformation his father underwent throughout his life, including obtaining advanced degrees. Singh reflected on the pride his father felt for his Indian heritage, despite the struggles associated with being an immigrant.
The significance of Singh’s artistic journey is underscored by his father’s hopes for him. While Alexandre was thrilled to gain admission to art school, his father viewed this path as unconventional for an Indian immigrant. Singh poignantly shared how losing his father at the age of 21 altered his connection to his cultural roots.
“Two People Exchanging Saliva,” which translates to “Deux personnes échangeant de la salive” in French, is a collaborative film by Singh and Musteata. The film, co-produced by the United States and France, premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival in August 2024. It is a drama that reflects the creative vision of its directors.
Following their Oscar win, Singh discussed the transformative power of art in his acceptance speech. He believes in art’s ability to impact society and change hearts over time. Notably, ties at the Oscars are infrequent; the last shared award occurred in 2013 for sound editing in “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Skyfall.”
Prior to the success of “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” Singh directed several short films, including “The Appointment” in 2019 and “Plan Large” in 2016. These works showcase his commitment to storytelling and innovation in film.