Kunal Khaware ’26 is an executive producer for Eleanor the Great, a film directed by Scarlett Johansson featuring June Squibb as the lead. The film explores Holocaust remembrance expressed through the themes of friendship and family and was released on September 26^th nationwide.

The story follows Eleanor, who after losing her best friend of seventy years, moves to New York City for a fresh start – but making new friends at ninety proves difficult. Longing for connection, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with a 19-year-old student.

Kunal shared with us more about his role, the production process, and what he hopes viewers will take away from the film.

How did you get involved with this project and what was your role? I got involved through our production studio, Content Engineers, as an executive producer on the film. I also make a brief cameo! A lot of my role focuses on what I call the “script to screen” process, starting when I read this project over two years ago. From there, it was helping during the casting process, watching the dailies, and being on-site for a period of time during production. Our company helped from pre-production to post, and also worked to distribute to Sony Pictures Classics, a renowned independent studio distributor. We also helped premier Eleanor at the Cannes film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival.

What do you hope people take away from the film? I hope people will resonate with the story. That was a primary reason we chose to get involved in this project. It not only speaks to family and community, but also is a reminder of our history, which is important.

What lessons did you learn about leadership through your role on the film? I think leadership can come in many forms. Relying on our producing partners and distributors and keeping aptitude at the utmost importance was key to the success and notoriety of this film. The industry is built on perception, but people know who is working – so keeping that as an underlying motivation was also how we excelled.

Any surprising moments or unexpected happenings? This experience epitomized how there will be a fire to put out at every turn, and every challenge is a new opportunity to learn something. You cannot be afraid to make the call as a leader.

What do you think was the most impactful thing about being a part of this project? I think the most impactful part of this project was seeing it come to life and meeting all of the incredible people who made it happen. This world is small, so the impression we received and gave will be remembered, and that’s the best part. “Let the work speak for itself” is a very true cliché here.

What else do you want people to know? Go watch the movie – I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Oh, and see if you can spot my cameo!

Eleanor the Great is in theaters now.