Mrs’. Director Arati Kadav Joins FilmKaravan sponsored Bandra Film Festival’s Advisory Board.

Mumbai, July 2026: Bandra Film Festival (BFF), operated and sponsored by FilmKaravan has announced acclaimed filmmaker Arati Kadav as the newest member of its Advisory Board. Arati who is known for her distinctive voice in Indian cinema will be joining the team to help shape Bandra Film Festivals vision of championing bold, independent storytelling and nurturing a vibrant film community online and offline.

Arati Kadav has earned widespread acclaim for films including Mrs. (2023), Cargo (2019) and 55 km/sec (2020). Her addition to the Advisory Board marks another significant step in FilmKaravan’s mission to create meaningful platforms for independent filmmakers while fostering conversations around contemporary cinema.

Speaking about joining the Advisory Board, Arati Kadav, Writer, Director, Filmmaker said, “I am very passionate about short films and independent films as they are a significant way through which new voices, new ideas enter our industry. It’s amazing that the Bandra Film Festival is going strong for so many years now and providing an amazing platform to many filmmakers and amazing opportunities for viewers to discover great films which they had otherwise not found. I am extremely delighted to join the festival as an Advisory Board member and hope we can bring the spotlight on amazing unique films.”

FilmKaravan and Arati Kadav have had a long-standing association hinged on shared creative vision amplifying independent storytelling. Kadav’s directorial venture Uss Paar marked the opening of the festival in it’s launch year 2021. FilmKaravan has also distributed her films like Cargo and Time Machine on platforms like TVOD and OTT.

Pooja Kohli Taneja, Festival Director, Bandra Film Festival shared, “Bandra Film Festival was envisioned as a year-round home for meaningful cinema, where exceptional films can continue to be discovered and celebrated beyond the constraints of traditional festival timelines. From uncovering overlooked gems and revisiting remarkable works from the past to championing fresh voices and unconventional narratives, our mission is to ensure that powerful stories find the audiences they deserve. We believe that every film has a journey and every filmmaker deserves the opportunity to connect with new audiences. At its heart, Bandra Film Festival is not just a platform for films—it is a space where storytellers, audiences and ideas come together to keep the spirit of cinema alive throughout the year.”

Continuing its expansion across Mumbai, Bandra Film Festival will next host a specially curated screening at Houdini, Lower Parel, on 13th July, 7pm. The evening will feature three thriller and suspense short films perfectly aligned with the vibe of Houdini – Amar Aaj Marega (Hindi), directed by Rajat Kariya, Full & Final (Hindi-English), directed by Sohit Khanna and Click (Hindi-English), directed by Ojas Deshpande. The screening reflects BFF’s programming philosophy of curating genre/theme-focused experiences that encourage audience engagement and post-screening conversations.

Sonali Bawa Malhotra, Head of FilmKaravan, “At FilmKaravan, we are passionate about supporting independent cinema and creating opportunities for emerging and promising filmmakers to showcase their work. Our collaborations with unique venues help us create immersive cinematic experiences that go beyond screenings, fostering a vibrant and welcoming community of filmmakers, artists and film enthusiasts united by their love for storytelling. Through every screening, discussion and collaboration, our goal is to strengthen connections within the filmmaking community and inspire a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.”

In its bid to create a dynamic ecosystem, alongside on-ground initiatives, BFF is steadily building a strong digital presence as well for independent filmmakers through collaborations with platforms such as Pocket Films, expanding the shelf life and distribution channels for each film.

Namrata Grewal, Marketing and Programming, Bandra Film Festival, “Films are showcased through fortnightly releases on our channel as well as immersive physical screenings. Filmmakers connect with us through our website and social media platforms. We strongly believe that every story, whether one minute or thirty, has something meaningful to say: to spark engagement, encourage conversation, and offer audiences a rich and memorable cinematic experience.”