Waves Film Bazaar Begins in Goa With Global Guests and 300 Film Projects

Panjim, Goa - November 20, 2025 The Waves Film Bazaar, South Asia’s biggest marketplace for films, opened today at the Marriott Resort in Panjim with an energetic ceremony that brought together filmmakers, international delegates and senior officials from across the industry. The event, earlier known simply as Film Bazaar, has now been rebranded as Waves Film Bazaar and will run from November 20 to 24 alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). During the inauguration, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju described Waves Film Bazaar as a vibrant hub that brings together film screenings, masterclasses and new technology. He said the platform fits into the Prime Minister’s vision of “turning art into commerce,” and pointed to the launch of India’s first e-marketplace for filmmakers as a major milestone. He also highlighted new additions such as the AI Film Festival and the CinemAI Hackathon, which aim to support the future of filmmaking and storytelling. South Korean National Assembly Member Jaewon Kim, who attended as the Guest of Honour, praised the organisers for maintaining the event’s quality year after year. She expressed hope that more creative partnerships between India and South Korea would grow out of this platform. Her heartfelt performance of Vande Mataram moved the audience and earned a standing ovation. The event was officially opened by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan. He called Waves Film Bazaar a powerful meeting point for creators, producers and industry professionals, saying it helps Indian talent reach global audiences. He also appreciated the participation of 124 new creators this year, noting that the increasing interest shows how important the Bazaar has become for emerging voices in cinema. The inauguration drew several notable personalities, including IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Anupam Kher, filmmaker Garth Davis, and NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum. Their presence reflected the Bazaar’s influence and its expanding global reach. This year’s edition features more than 300 carefully chosen film projects across various sections, including the Co-Production Market, Market Screenings, Screenwriters’ Lab and the Viewing Room library. Delegations from over seven countries and representatives from more than ten Indian states are attending, creating a wide and diverse space for networking and collaboration. Technology also has a major presence at the event. The Tech Pavilion is showcasing advanced tools and innovations in virtual production, CGI, VFX and animation. A special highlight this year is the CinemAI Hackathon, organised in partnership with LTIMindtree. The hackathon encourages participants to explore AI-based storytelling, certification tools and new ways to prevent piracy—showing how technology and creativity are coming together in modern filmmaking. Meanwhile, IFFI, now in its 56th edition, continues to draw film lovers from around the world. The festival features restored classics, global premieres, masterclasses and cultural programmes, running from November 20 to 28 across Goa. Waves Film Bazaar adds to this festive spirit by giving creators and industry leaders a space to connect, collaborate and bring new stories to life. Waves Film Bazaar Begins in Goa With Global Guests and 300 Film Projects The Waves Film Bazaar opened in Goa with filmmakers, creators and delegates from around the world coming together to celebrate storytelling and innovation. Held alongside IFFI, the event brings more than 300 film projects, masterclasses and new tech showcases under one roof. From global collaborations to fresh ideas by new creators, the energy of the Bazaar shows how fast Indian cinema is growing. This year also introduces new tech spaces, including AI-led storytelling and virtual production, making it a place where creativity meets future technology. Waves Film Bazaar continues to serve as a bridge between creators, producers and film professionals, helping Indian stories reach international platforms. With participants from several countries and states, the event reflects the diversity and ambition of the industry. Goa becomes a hub of inspiration every year during this time, and this edition keeps the excitement alive.