In a significant boost for independent cinema, BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee Andrew Scott has been named Executive Producer for Pranav Bhasin’s short film, We Were Here. The announcement follows Bhasin’s victory at the SXSW 2026 Redbreast Unhidden Award, an initiative designed to champion the next generation of global filmmaking talent.
Set in a traditional Indian town, We Were Here is a poignant exploration of humanity in the shadow of rapid technological advancement. The narrative follows three retired men who, convinced that machines are usurping their purpose, attempt to "reclaim" their relevance by performing the tasks of household appliances. Their crusade is thrown into turmoil when a family member secures a position at an A.I. firm, forcing the trio to confront a world that may have already moved past them.
Reflecting on the film’s impact, Andrew Scott noted:
“The story is wonderfully simple, yet manages to ask big questions about humanity, our relationship with technology and with each other.”
Scott, returning for the second year of the Redbreast partnership, personally curated the shortlist from official SXSW submissions. Following a private screening and Q&A in Austin on 12 March, Bhasin was selected from a competitive field of five finalists. As the winner, the Mumbai-based director receives a project grant alongside Scott’s mentorship and executive production support to assist with global distribution.
Pranav Bhasin is a self-taught writer and director who transitioned from a successful YouTube career to the international festival circuit. His portfolio includes the Vimeo Staff Pick Taylor's Version and the pandemic-era comedy Cabin Fever. A fellow of the Academy of Zurich Film Festival, Bhasin is recognized for his ability to blend absurdity with deep tenderness.
We Were Here serves as a haunting reminder of the emotional cost of progress, asking what remains when the future arrives without an invitation.
