Shorts to Features
Chair:
Date: Wed 15 Oct, 2:30pm @Stadium Plaza
Rohan Kanawade (He/Him)
Writer / Director
Rohan Kanawade is a self-made filmmaker with a background in interior design and an alumnus of the 11th Venice Biennale College Cinema. His short films have screened at international film festivals to critical acclaim. His 2019 Marathi short film U Ushacha (U for Usha) screened at over 40 festivals, was released in Indian cinemas, and is currently streaming on BFI Player in the UK. Rohan’s feature debut Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) screens at this year’s Iris Prize, fresh from winning the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival—the first Indian fiction film ever to receive the award.
Alice Cabañas (She/Her)
Head of BFI NETWORK
Alice Cabañas is the Head of BFI NETWORK, the UK-wide talent development programme supporting new and emerging filmmakers. Through partnerships with film organisations and leading cultural venues, BFI NETWORK provides short film and early feature development funding, as well as industry-backed professional development and networking opportunities for producers, writers, and directors. Alice previously served as Talent Executive for Film Hub South West and as Film Programme Manager for the British Council.
April Kelley (She/Her)
Producer
April, founder of Mini Productions, is an award-winning filmmaker celebrated for her bold creativity and drive. Her debut feature Rose earned a BIFA nomination, while her latest work, Plainclothes, won a Special Jury Award at Sundance and will hit cinemas this October. April’s acclaimed short film trilogy exploring mental health and sexuality—Treacle (2020), Just in Case (2021), and Do This for Me (2022)—has screened at over 100 festivals, garnered multiple awards, and is now in TV series development with support from AMC Networks. Beyond filmmaking, April is a passionate advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, serving as an ambassador for Bipolar UK.
