ON PURPOSE strengthens Bengaluru culture and communities portfolio with BISFF mandate

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. The mandate will be managed by the consultancy’s Bengaluru office and marks a significant addition to its growing culture and communities portfolio in the city.

Founded in 2010, BISFF has emerged as one of the country’s most respected platforms for short-form cinema, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry leaders from across the world. 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.

As part of the engagement, ON PURPOSE will support BISFF with strategic communications, media relations, and storytelling aimed at expanding the festival’s visibility and reinforcing Bengaluru’s position as a vibrant cultural hub.

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. Together, these partnerships reflect ON PURPOSE's growing presence in shaping conversations around culture, community, and contemporary urban life in Bengaluru.

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.”

Anand Varadaraj, Founder and Artistic Director, Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF), 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.”