About us

Our Origin Story

In 2012, BnR Films made its first professional short film, ‘Kar Bhalaa’ (‘Do Good’).

At that time, we had virtually no knowledge of the film festival circuit. What we had was the confidence and conviction to explore the world of film festivals without being afraid of rejection.

That first experience began an extraordinary journey into international film festivals.

Today, our films have received 642 international film festival accolades and 206 awards from various parts of the world.Through this journey, we gained extensive practical knowledge of the festival ecosystem.

We also encountered many enthusiastic independent filmmakers and production houses with strong content who wanted to explore the festival circuit but lacked the necessary knowledge, resources or strategic guidance.

Recognising this gap, in 2022 we decided to extend our knowledge and expertise through a dedicated film festival consultancy service for filmmakers and producers around the world.

Today, we have worked with 10 film producers, providing consultancy, guidance and active support towards their respective festival journeys.

Why strategy matter?

A Successful Festival Journey is more than just Submissions.

Submitting a film to a large number of festivals does not necessarily create a successful festival journey. The real value lies in submitting strategically—choosing the right opportunities, at the right time, with the right positioning.

Every film is different, and so should be its festival strategy. The process begins with identifying festivals that genuinely align with the film’s genre, subject, format, audience and objectives, rather than simply chasing submission numbers.

Equally important is prioritising opportunities and timing submissions carefully. Festival deadlines, eligibility periods and premiere requirements can influence where and when a film should be submitted. An early decision may sometimes affect eligibility for another important opportunity later.

The film must also be positioned appropriately—from understanding its distinctive strengths to presenting it effectively within the festival ecosystem. A well-planned festival journey considers not only individual submissions, but also how different opportunities can collectively contribute to the film’s visibility, recognition and larger journey.

And importantly, festival strategy should never be static. As selections, rejections, screenings and new opportunities emerge, the strategy may need to evolve.

Because a meaningful festival journey is not about being everywhere. It is about being at the right places, at the right time, for the right reasons.

 

Our Approach

Here is our six-step process.

01 — Understand the Film
We begin by understanding your film—its story, genre, strengths, audience, context and unique identity.

02 — Define the Festival Goals
We identify what you want your festival journey to achieve and establish clear, realistic priorities.

03 — Develop the Strategy
We create a tailored festival roadmap, identifying suitable festivals, submission priorities, timelines and opportunities.

04 — Position the Film
We strategically position your film and its key materials to communicate its strengths and distinctive identity effectively.

05 — Execute the Submission Plan
We systematically manage the submission process, keeping track of festivals, deadlines, requirements and progress.

06 — Adapt the Strategy
We continually review the journey, learn from outcomes and refine the strategy as new opportunities emerge.

Films Without Borders

A film’s language or region should not define the limits of its festival journey.

Cinema has always had the ability to cross boundaries. A story rooted deeply in a particular language, community or culture can still connect with audiences thousands of kilometres away.

At BnR Films Film Festival Consultancy, we believe that a film’s linguistic or regional identity should be viewed as its unique voice—not its limitation.

From Regional Stories to Wider Festival Opportunities

We can work with films from different linguistic and regional backgrounds and help filmmakers and producers develop an appropriate festival strategy based on the film itself, its objectives and its intended journey.

Depending on those goals, the strategy may explore opportunities across regional, national and international festival circuits.

The objective is not simply to take every film everywhere. It is to identify and pursue opportunities that make strategic sense for that particular film.

English Subtitles Has Opened New Doors

Language need not become a barrier to exploring wider festival opportunities.

Well-prepared English subtitles, together with appropriate festival materials, can enable programmers, juries and audiences from different linguistic backgrounds to experience and understand a film.

But subtitles are only part of the journey. The film must also be presented, positioned and submitted appropriately for the opportunities being pursued.

Rooted Locally. Positioned Strategically.

A film does not have to lose its cultural or regional identity to reach a wider audience. In fact, its distinctive cultural voice can often be one of its greatest strengths.

Our approach is therefore not about making a film appear more “international.” It is about understanding what makes the film distinctive and building a festival journey around its authentic identity.

Cinema speaks across borders.

Your story may originate in one language, one region or one community. Its festival journey does not necessarily have to end there.