Editorial Policy

What we review

TheCinePanda reviews Indian short films — drama, documentary, animation, experimental, and everything in between. We accept films from all languages and regions across India. We do not review web series or feature films at this time.

Who reviews them

Our reviews are written by fellow filmmakers. Not industry critics or gatekeepers — people who have made films themselves and understand what it takes. We believe peer review from someone who has stood in the same position carries its own kind of authority.

Independence

All reviews are independent assessments. They are not influenced by payment, gifts, or filmmaker pressure. We write what we genuinely think, in service of the work and the filmmaker.

Published reviews will not be removed because a filmmaker disagrees with them. We write with respect for the effort behind every film — but we publish what we write.

What a review contains

Every published review includes a full written assessment (400–600 words), a craft label, reviewer name and bio, film metadata, and a permanent public page. The craft label system we use:

• Exceptional CraftOutstanding — a strong recommendation.
• Confident CraftSolid, assured filmmaking. Clearly recommended.
• Developing CraftHas merit and intent, with meaningful reservations.
• Craft in ProgressHonest assessment — the film is still finding its footing.

Submissions

Submissions are free. We review films in the order they are received. You will hear from us when your film is assigned to a reviewer, and again when your review is published.

By submitting, you grant TheCinePanda the right to use your poster, trailer, and synopsis on the published review page and in social promotion of the review.