Tag: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Entertainment

WaveX Invites Startups to Showcase at WAVES Bazar during IFFI Goa 2025

allycaralgoa

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has officially opened registrations for WaveX booths at WAVES Bazar, the exclusive startup showcase under the WaveX initiative, to be held during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from November 20–24, 2025.

This initiative provides emerging AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Extended Reality) and Media-Tech startups with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with global industry leaders, investors, and production studios.

Located near Film Bazaar, the vibrant networking hub of IFFI, WAVES Bazar offers startups the perfect platform to present innovations and build collaborations within the creative economy.

Each startup booth, priced at ₹30,000 on a shared basis, includes:

  • 2 Delegate Passes
  • Lunch and High Tea
  • Evening Networking Opportunities
  • Direct Exposure to Global Film, Media & Tech Professionals

Limited stalls are available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested startups can register at wavex.wavesbazaar.com or contact wavexmib[at]gov[dot]in for more details.

About IFFI, Goa:
Established in 1952, the International Film Festival of India is one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, drawing global participation and serving as a platform for creative collaboration. The 56th edition will run from November 20–28, 2025, in Panaji, Goa.

About WaveX:
WaveX is a national startup accelerator under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. It focuses on nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in the AVGC-XR and media-tech sectors through collaborations with academia, industry, and incubation networks — strengthening India’s creative economy.

Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting / WaveX Initiative

Events in Goa

LTIMindtree Partners with IFFI and NFDC to Launch India’s First AI Film Festival and Hackathon in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. Scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa, the initiative aims to redefine the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology.

Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has stood as India’s premier cinematic platform, bringing together filmmakers and creative professionals from across the globe. With this collaboration, LTIMindtree, NFDC, and IFFI are set to introduce a new era of digital creativity through the integration of AI-powered tools in the cinematic process. The partnership, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, represents a significant step towards fostering innovation in India’s creative economy.

Under this initiative, LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC will create a dedicated ecosystem for AI-driven filmmaking, encouraging creators and technologists to collaborate on innovative projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. The AI Film Festival will feature screenings of AI-generated works across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental categories, offering audiences a glimpse into how technology is reshaping artistic expression.

Complementing the festival is a 48-hour hackathon designed to challenge participants to build AI-powered storytelling and production tools. Alongside the competition, workshops and masterclasses led by global experts will cover topics such as ethical storytelling, AI in film production, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping creative narratives.

Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director of IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”

Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Interactive Services at LTIMindtree, echoed the sentiment, noting, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”

Adding to this, Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”

The festival will also feature participation from international AI film festivals, with opportunities for global cross-credit recognition for creators and innovators. By bringing together cinema and cutting-edge technology, the AI Film Festival and Hackathon aim to position India as a global leader in AI-driven cinematic innovation.

Books & Literature

Publications Division Launches Chhota Bheem Comic Series to Promote Indian Storytelling

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark initiative to promote Indian narratives and boost content creation, the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today launched a brand-new Chhota Bheem comic series. The unveiling took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of key stakeholders from the media and animation industries.

The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., creators of the iconic Indian animated series, Chhota Bheem. The launch marks a significant step in India’s cultural content strategy and aligns with the government’s vision to promote indigenous storytelling traditions in children’s literature.

Speaking at the event, Principal Director General, Bhupendra Kainthola, said:

“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners.”

Chhota Bheem, the protagonist of the series, is a symbol of strength, integrity, and kindness. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the comics follow Bheem and his friends as they navigate exciting adventures filled with life lessons inspired by Indian folklore and values.

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, emphasized the government’s role in nurturing India’s animation and creative sectors:

“The Government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors.”

The comic series also aligns with the outcomes of the recent WAVES Summit held in Mumbai, where thought leaders highlighted the need for culturally resonant content to strengthen India’s creative economy. As the country rises as a key player in AVGC-XR sectors, such efforts represent the government’s commitment to not only preserving but evolving Indian storytelling for the digital age.

With its universal themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and moral values, the Chhota Bheem comic series is designed to inspire children while reinforcing a sense of cultural identity. It aims to engage readers across India through relatable characters and storylines rooted in Indian tradition.

This initiative is a celebration of homegrown content, encouraging young readers to discover Indian heroes and values through an entertaining and educational medium.