Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
The Waves Film Bazaar has officially opened submissions for its Co-Production Market, set to take place from November 20 to 24, 2025, in Goa. As South Asia’s largest film market and an integral part of India’s international film outreach, this event will run parallel to the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Since 2007, the Co-Production Market has played a critical role in shaping the careers of many independent filmmakers, helping launch globally recognized titles such as The Lunchbox, Newton, Dum Lagake Haisha, Girls Will Be Girls, and the animated feature Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust.
For its 19th edition, the Waves Film Bazaar will award a total of $20,000 in cash grants across three categories:
- First Prize for Feature Film: $10,000
- Second Prize for Feature Film: $5,000
- Special Grant for a Documentary: $5,000
These awards aim to support innovative storytelling and enable new co-production opportunities between South Asian filmmakers and global industry stakeholders. Selected filmmakers will be given a platform to pitch their projects to international producers, distributors, financiers, and sales agents—opening pathways for funding, distribution, and creative collaboration.
The deadline for submitting feature film projects is September 7, 2025, and for documentaries, September 13, 2025. The event itself will be hosted at the Marriott Resort in Goa, promising both a high-level networking opportunity and an immersive experience for filmmakers eager to enter the international market.
With the Indian independent film scene gaining momentum globally, initiatives like Waves Film Bazaar are essential in providing structure, visibility, and financial incentives for fresh voices in cinema. For emerging and established creators alike, this is a golden opportunity to bring compelling stories to life on an international stage.
