Tag: Prakash Magdum

Events in Goa, IFFI 2025

Waves Film Bazaar 2025 Concludes with Momentum at the 56th IFFI; Expanded Edition Announced for 2026

allycaralgoa

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.

Events in Goa

Dr. L. Murugan Inaugurates IFFI 2025 Masterclass Series, Spotlight on AI, Sustainability & Women-led Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) opened a significant chapter today as Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, inaugurated the festival’s prestigious Masterclass Series at the Kala Academy in Goa. This year marks a historic milestone with the Masterclass inauguration being held for the first time in the presence of the general public, reflecting IFFI’s vision of fostering greater accessibility, openness, and participation from film enthusiasts across all walks of life. Distinguished dignitaries including Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary Dr. Ajay Naghbhushan, National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Shri Prakash Magdum, celebrated filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali, and noted film personality Shri Ravi Kottarakara graced the occasion, reinforcing the festival’s stature as a global platform for cinematic dialogue and innovation.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Murugan emphasized India’s expanding cultural footprint, noting that more than 200 films from around the world will be screened at this year’s festival. He highlighted that IFFI 2025 aligns with India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, showcasing the nation’s creative evolution on the global stage. Underscoring the government’s commitment to Nari Shakti, he shared that 50 films directed by women will be showcased, reflecting the growing prominence, participation, and excellence of women filmmakers within the industry, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Masterclass Series has drawn participants from multiple countries including Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada, emphasizing its widening global reach and relevance in contemporary filmmaking. This year’s edition promises a rich spectrum of learning opportunities through panel discussions, interactive workshops, roundtable sessions, fireside chats, and interviews designed to deepen understanding of the craft. Acclaimed film personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Muzaffar Ali, Shad Ali, Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Suhasini Maniratnam will lead various sessions, making the lineup one of the most dynamic and influential in IFFI’s history.

Setting an inspiring tone, renowned filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali conducted the first session of the series, offering participants a glimpse into his rich cinematic philosophy. The Masterclass program this year will explore emerging and future-forward themes, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, sustainability practices within the creative industry, and technical advancements in cinematography, visual effects, and special effects. Theatre acting workshops led by seasoned experts will further enhance the festival’s holistic focus on performance arts.

By blending global expertise with India’s cultural strengths, IFFI 2025 continues to evolve as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking festival that celebrates the art of cinema while nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

Films

Goan Film Claudia by Rajendra Talak Invited for Indian Panorama–Special Presentation at IFFI 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Konkani film Claudia, written, produced, and directed by veteran Goan filmmaker Rajendra Talak, will be featured in the “Indian Panorama – Special Presentation” section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled from 20 to 28 November 2025 in Goa. Although no Goan film was selected in the official Indian Panorama categories this year, Claudia has been extended a special invitation to participate in the festival. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), which organizes the Indian Panorama section, confirmed the inclusion, facilitated under the leadership of its Managing Director, Prakash Magdum.

Claudia tells the story of a saxophone player who loses his ability to perform, and his daughter’s emotional journey as she helps him rediscover his passion for music. The film explores themes of loss, hope, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Rajendra Talak, known for acclaimed Konkani films such as O Maria, Aleesha, and Miranda House, has been a key contributor to regional cinema and a strong advocate for showcasing Goan stories on national platforms.

According to reports, Claudia will represent Goa in the Special Presentation segment of Indian Panorama, which highlights distinctive works from across the country outside the main competition categories. The recognition ensures that Goa’s voice in cinema continues to resonate at the nation’s premier film festival.