IFFI 2025: WAVES Film Bazaar opens in Goa, brings 300 global film projects under one roof
Inaugurating the event, information and broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju described WAVES as the “natural beginning” to IFFI’s celebrations, calling it a complete ecosystem that spans screenings, masterclasses, curated labs and technology showcases.
Goa, November 20: The 19th edition of the WAVES Film Bazaar — South Asia’s premier film market — opened today at the Marriott Resort in Panjim, setting the stage for five days of collaboration, discovery and industry exchange alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Rebranded this year as the WAVES Film Bazaar, the market is hosting more than 300 film projects and delegations from over seven countries.
Inaugurating the event, information and broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju described WAVES as the “natural beginning” to IFFI’s celebrations, calling it a complete ecosystem that spans screenings, masterclasses, curated labs and technology showcases. Highlighting India’s strengthened global presence, he said the revamped identity aligns with the prime minister’s vision of “converting art into commerce” and transforming India into a meeting point for worldwide creative partnerships.
Jaju also spotlighted India’s first e-marketplace for filmmakers and the debut of the country’s first AI Film Festival and CinemAI Hackathon — initiatives he said are critical for embracing the future of cinematic technology.
Guest of Honour Jaewon Kim, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, praised the festival’s consistency and its bridge-building role in Asian cinema. She delivered a moving rendition of Vande Mataram, earning a warm standing ovation from the audience.
Minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan said the prime minister’s vision is to make India a global hub for film production. Calling WAVES a “bridge between creators and producers,” he noted that 124 new creators have joined the Bazaar this year, reflecting a surge of young voices and independent storytellers. He said the platform continues to take India’s culture and content to global audiences.
The ceremony also saw participation from IFFI festival director and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Anupam Kher, NFDC managing director Prakash Magdum, Australian director Garth Davis, and Jerome Paillard, advisor to Waves Bazaar.
A global marketplace for ideas, deals and innovation
Launched by NFDC in 2007, the Film Bazaar has grown into South Asia’s most influential film market. This year’s edition features:
- 22 feature films and 5 documentaries in the Co-Production Market
- 22 films in the WAVES Film Bazaar Recommends showcase
- Hundreds of curated projects across Screenwriters’ Lab, Market Screenings and Viewing Room
- Delegations from seven countries
- Film incentive showcases from more than ten Indian states
A dedicated Tech Pavilion brings together VFX, CGI, animation and advanced digital production tools. The newly introduced CinemAI Hackathon, organised with LTIMindtree, invites creators to experiment with AI-driven storytelling, anti-piracy tools and certification workflows.
With its blend of creativity, technology and global exchange, the WAVES Film Bazaar reinforces India’s position as a dynamic hub for cinematic innovation and international collaboration.
About IFFI
Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India is South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival. Jointly organised by NFDC, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa, the 56th edition runs from November 20–28 in Goa, featuring global competitions, restored classics, masterclasses, cultural showcases and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar.
