iWorld
ShortsTV opens entries for Best of India Short Film Festival
Mumbai: ShortsTV, a 24×7 linear and OTT HD channel dedicated to short form video entertainment has announced the fifth edition of Best of India Short Film Festival. Aimed at providing global recognition to the works of Indian film makers, the festival gives winners the opportunity for Oscar consideration, a Hollywood theatrical release, and television broadcast deal with ShortsTV.
The previous editions saw an overwhelming response with 2000+ entries every season and participation from Bollywood’s leading actors and directors including Prakash Jha, Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Radhika Apte, and Neena Kulkarni among others.
Top five films shortlisted from the entries will win a theatrical release in Hollywood, while also qualifying for Oscar consideration. Additionally, they will be eligible for a television broadcast deal on ShortsTV. Leading up to the finale week, the festival will screen top 15 films for two days on ShortsTV.
ShortsTV chief executive Carter Pilcher said, “2022 will be the year of Short films, and we are excited to launch the fifth edition of the Best of India Short film festival. This festival is the bedrock of our international hunt for the world’s finest short filmmakers and last year’s worldwide winner ‘Highway Nights’ came right here from India. This year we’re expecting even more exciting films and are excited to launch the careers of more great filmmakers.”
“Short films are fast emerging as the preferred mode of entertainment for viewers across the globe. ShortsTV has always endeavoured to champion filmmakers and this festival has been helping Indian filmmakers to showcase their creativity to audiences across the globe. With the fifth edition of Best of India Short Film Festival, we are excited to bring together India’s best short films on a single platform and making their presence bigger than ever,” added ShortsTV president – Asia and festival director Tarun Sawhney.
To be eligible for the competition entries need to be ‘narrative’ live action short films with a total running time of 40 minutes or less. It is necessary for either the writer, director or producer to be from India. The film should be presented in High Definition (HD) or DCP format. All films in a regional language (other than English) must include English subtitles. The last date for submission is 30 April, said the statement.
iWorld
Crocs India ropes in Rakesh Bedi for quirky new digital campaign
Veteran actor brings humour and nostalgia to brand’s latest ‘Crocshake’ film.
MUMBAI: Crocs has decided to shake things up quite literally by teaming up with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi for its latest digital campaign. The campaign, conceptualised by One Hand Clap, cleverly taps into the current wave of nostalgia and character-led content. It features Rakesh Bedi, who is currently enjoying renewed popularity after Dhurandhar, in a series of increasingly chaotic yet humorous everyday situations.
At the centre of the film is a simple handshake that spirals into a chain of unexpected twists, culminating in the fun “Crocshake.” The light-hearted narrative highlights how ordinary social moments can turn into memorable ones, perfectly aligning with Crocs’ brand ethos of individuality, comfort, and self-expression.
Crocs India country manager Manoj Juneja said the campaign reflects the brand’s desire to stay culturally relevant. “This collaboration with Rakesh Bedi blends humour, nostalgia, and contemporary trends to create content that entertains and sparks conversations,” he noted.
Rakesh Bedi added, “What I loved about this campaign was how naturally the humour came through. It takes a simple, everyday situation and turns it into something completely unexpected. It’s always exciting to be part of something audiences can instantly connect with.”
The campaign builds on Crocs India’s ongoing strategy of creating relatable, digital-first storytelling that resonates with a wide audience while staying true to the brand’s playful personality.
In a crowded footwear market, Crocs continues to stand out by keeping things fun, comfortable, and conversation-worthy proving once again that sometimes all you need is a good shake (or Crocshake) to make your mark.
