India’s WAVES Film Bazaar Kicks Off With New Cash Grant

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kicked off the 19th edition of its industry market — now rebranded as WAVES Film Bazaar — with a promise to support emerging filmmakers through a new cash grant program.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Goa, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju announced that the market will award a $20,000 cash grant for the first time. “WAVES Film Bazaar will present its most ambitious slate with more than 300 films this year,” Jaju said. “Each section is crafted to ensure creators at every stage find a place and pathway. For the first time, the bazaar will also award a cash grant of $20,000 to encourage and support emerging filmmakers.”

The ceremony, held as part of IFFI’s Nov. 20-28 run, drew industry leaders including “Lion” filmmaker Garth Davis, actor Anupam Kher, Indian Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, Additional Secretary Prabhat Kumar, WAVES Bazaar advisor Jerome Pilloard, actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, and IFFI festival director Shekhar Kapur. Jaewon Kim, member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, attended as chief guest.

Positioned as one of Asia’s key film markets, WAVES Film Bazaar serves as IFFI’s dedicated industry platform, connecting creators with financiers, studios, festival programmers and international partners across nine days of screenings, masterclasses and market activities.

Dr. L. Murugan emphasized the market’s role in India’s growing creative economy. “As our Prime Minister mentioned in WAVES , India is emerging as a global power in production, digital content, gaming, fashion and music,” he said. “WAVES Film Bazaar will bridge the gap between the theatres to the world producers. We are also giving a platform to the young minds.”

The inauguration featured a performance of India’s national song “Vande Mataram” by Jaewon Kim, with audience participation.