Dr L Murugan Inaugurates WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 at IFFI Goa

The Indian film industry received a fresh boost on 20 November 2025, as Dr L Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated the WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa. Positioned as one of South Asia’s leading film industry events, the Film Bazaar aims to bring together filmmakers, producers, distributors, festival programmers, and financiers under one roof to foster collaboration and growth.

What is WAVES Film Bazaar?

WAVES Film Bazaar is the official film market segment of the IFFI and serves as a marketplace for filmmakers, especially emerging voices, to connect with industry professionals. Organized annually alongside IFFI, the Bazaar supports content creators by facilitating both creative collaboration and financial partnerships.

The Film Bazaar functions as a multi-vertical platform, providing support through,

• Co-Production Market: Showcasing feature films and documentaries seeking international funding and partnerships.
• Screenwriters’ Lab: Guiding selected screenwriters through mentorship with global experts.
• Viewing Room: Hosting digital content libraries for buyers and distributors to preview curated Indian and international content.
• Industry Panels and Masterclasses: Featuring discussions with film experts on trends, challenges, and growth opportunities in global cinema.

Highlights of WAVES Film Bazaar 2025

The 2025 edition of the Film Bazaar coincides with the 56th IFFI and runs from 20 to 24 November. It is the 19th edition of the Film Bazaar and comes with enhanced global outreach and sectoral diversity.

Key highlights include,

• Over 22 feature films and 5 documentaries shortlisted for the Co-Production Market.
• Inclusion of projects in multiple Indian languages, reflecting India’s regional cinema strength.
• Delegates from over 30 countries, including film festival curators, OTT platform representatives, and sales agents.
• Showcases of state-wise film incentives and international co-production treaties.
• Promotion of young creators through curated pitching sessions and debut filmmaker mentoring.

Significance for Indian Cinema and Culture

The WAVES Film Bazaar is more than just a networking platform—it reflects India’s rising influence in the global creative economy. Its importance lies in,

• Empowering emerging creators: Providing new filmmakers access to global mentors, financiers, and distributors.
• Boosting regional cinema: Bringing diverse Indian languages and cultural narratives to international screens.
• Encouraging co-productions: Supporting joint ventures between Indian creators and global studios or production houses.
• Strengthening India’s cultural diplomacy: Promoting Indian storytelling as part of the country’s soft power and global engagement.
• Building a global market ecosystem: Making India a consistent contributor to the global film value chain.

Static Facts

• Event: WAVES Film Bazaar 2025
• Venue: Panaji, Goa
• Dates: 20–24 November 2025
• Occasion: 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
• Inaugurated by: Dr L Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting
• Edition: 19th
• Key Focus: Co-productions, Indian storytelling, emerging creators