ON PURPOSE wins mandate for Oscar®-qualifying platform Bengaluru International Short Film Festival

ON PURPOSE, a creative communications consultancy focused on social change, has been appointed as the communications partner for the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF), one of India's premier film festivals and an Oscar®-qualifying platform for short films. 

 Founded by Anand Varadaraj (producer, actor) and mentored by acclaimed theatre personality, actor, and filmmaker Prakash Belawadi, the festival is recognised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an official Oscar-qualifying festival, placing it among a select group of global festivals that serve as a pathway to the Academy Awards.

Anand Varadaraj said, “Over the last 15 years, BISFF has grown into a globally recognised platform for short-form cinema, connecting filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals from around the world. As we continue to expand our reach and strengthen Bengaluru’s position on the global film map, we are delighted to partner with ON PURPOSE to help amplify our story and engage wider audiences with the power of short films.”

Commenting on the partnership, Girish Balachandran, founder and managing director, ON PURPOSE, said: “Bengaluru’s identity extends far beyond technology and innovation. It is also home to a thriving cultural ecosystem shaped by artists, filmmakers, creators, and communities. BISFF has played a pivotal role in putting Bengaluru on the global cinema map, and we are excited to support the festival in telling its story to wider audiences. This partnership also reflects our growing commitment to the culture and community space in the city.”

The BISFF mandate builds on ON PURPOSE's growing portfolio in Bengaluru across culture and communities. The consultancy has previously partnered with initiatives including Manotsava, the national mental health festival by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, NIMHANS, and NCBS; Janaagraha, a leading civic participation organisation; and BLR Hubba, UnboxingBLR's city-wide arts and culture festival.