WAVES Film Bazaar will celebrate its 20th edition from November 20 to 24, 2026, at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon in Goa, alongside the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Over the past two decades, the platform has developed into an important meeting point for Indian and international filmmakers, producers, financiers, distributors and other cinema professionals.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the event aims to strengthen industry collaboration, support emerging talent and create opportunities for Indian films to reach international markets.
Co-Production Market and Labs to Support Filmmakers
WAVES Film Bazaar offers several initiatives designed to support film projects at different stages of development and production.
The Co-Production Market connects selected feature films and documentaries with international producers and financiers. The NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab provides mentorship and development opportunities for emerging writers, while the Work-in-Progress Lab offers filmmakers expert feedback as they refine their projects.
Other initiatives include the Viewing Room, Market Screenings and Producers’ Lab, which help filmmakers connect with potential buyers, distributors and industry professionals.
The Knowledge Series will bring together industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, distribution strategies, business models and international collaborations. Country and state pavilions, technology showcases and market stalls will further facilitate partnerships across the global audiovisual industry.
From Film Bazaar to an International Platform
The initiative was launched by NFDC in 2007 to promote South Asian storytelling and create connections between filmmakers and the wider film industry. Since then, it has expanded into an international platform for project development, financing, distribution and collaboration.
Over the years, several acclaimed films have been associated with Film Bazaar’s journey, including Ship of Theseus (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Liar’s Dice (2013), Court (2014), Titli (2014), Margarita With A Straw (2014), Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Thithi (2015), Newton (2017), Manto (2018) and Fire in the Mountains (2021).
More recent titles include In the Belly of the Tiger (2024), Girls Will be Girls (2024), Cactus Pears (2025), Shape of Momo (2026) and Little Thomas (2026), among others.
NFDC has also extended financial support to more than 300 films across 21 regional languages. Several of these productions have gone on to receive national and international recognition.
WAVES Film Bazaar Expands Its Global Reach
Now operating under the broader WAVES Film Bazaar banner, the platform has expanded its focus on connecting South Asian cinema with international markets and audiences.
Its programmes aim to support filmmakers throughout the production process through mentorship, financing opportunities, industry partnerships and distribution networks. The platform also provides avenues for producers, sales agents, festival programmers and distributors to discover projects and explore potential collaborations.
The 20th edition aims to build on Film Bazaar’s two-decade journey by creating new opportunities for Indian cinema in international markets.
Through its industry programmes, networking initiatives and project development platforms, WAVES Film Bazaar seeks to encourage creative partnerships, nurture emerging filmmakers and strengthen India’s participation in the global film ecosystem.
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