The Waves Film Bazaar 2025 concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), marking the end of five impactful days of networking, innovation, and global cinematic exchange. The event gathered global filmmakers, producers, distributors, funders, and emerging creators, reaffirming its status as one of Asia’s most influential film industry platforms.
The ceremony saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting — Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan MN and Dr. K. K. Nirala, NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum, Waves Film Bazaar Advisor Jerome Paillard, IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Sriram Raghavan, and internationally acclaimed actor Rachel Griffiths.
The event began with a solemn one-minute silence in honour of legendary actor Dharmendra, paying tribute to his monumental legacy in Indian cinema.
Momentum for 2026: An Expanded 20th Edition
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan announced that the 20th edition of Waves Film Bazaar will return in an expanded and more ambitious format, reflecting the soaring global interest in Indian co-productions, script labs, and AI-driven filmmaking initiatives.
NFDC MD Prakash Magdum reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to nurturing independent minds, emphasizing the success of previously selected projects and the rising global footprint of Indian stories.
A wrap-up video capturing the festival’s highlights set the celebratory tone for the awards that followed.
Major Awards & Recognitions
Co-Production Market & Development Grants
- Kakthet (Idiot) – First Co-Production Grant ($10,000)
- Ulta (Madam) – Second Co-Production Grant ($5,000)
- Simhastha Kumbh – Special Documentary Grant ($5,000)
- The Manager, Azhi, Ustad Bantoo – Red Sea Fund Awards
- Nazma Ka Tadka – Platoon One Script Development Grant
- Teacher’s Pet, White Guy – Casting Company Awards
- 7 to 7 – UCCN City of Film Best Project Award
Post-Production Lab Winners
Projects such as Khoriya, Azhi, The Ink Stained Hand and the Missing Thumb, Born Yesterday, Aakkaatti, and Khamosh Nazar Aate Hain received major post-production support from Nube Studios, Prasad Corporation, Moviebuff, and others.
Premiere GAP Funding & Distribution
- Echoes of the Herd – Matchbox GAP Award
- Soul Whispers – M5 Global Film Fund
- Chingam – Reborn India Theatrical Distribution Award
AI Film Festival & CinemAI Hackathon: A Global First
Supported by LTIMindtree, the AI showcase attracted entries from more than 18 countries.
Award Highlights:
- KYRA – Best AI Animation
- The Cinema That Never Was – Most Innovative AI Film
- Nagori – Best AI Short
- Special Mentions: The Last Backup Final Part, Miracle on the Kachua Beach
The CinemAI Hackathon honoured excellence in:
- Sound
- Visuals
- Storytelling
- Innovation
- Best AI Film — The Red Crayon
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The Student Producer’s Workshop awarded upcoming creators including Kaashviy Ommkaar, Aniket Joshi, Radhika Kinare, Riya Varghese, and Sakshi Mishra, highlighting the promising next generation of Indian filmmakers.
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Vineeta Mishra, Head of Waves Film Bazaar, followed by a celebratory stage appearance by the entire team. With powerful partnerships, visionary storytelling, and global engagement, Waves Film Bazaar 2025 sets the stage for an even bigger, bolder edition in 2026.
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