WAVES Film Bazaar 2025, held alongside the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has generated business leads worth ₹1,050 crore, the organisers said on Thursday.
The five-day market, which concluded on Monday, “reaffirmed India’s position as a rising global hub for film production, collaboration and market expansion,” according to the organisers.
More than 2,500 delegates from over 40 countries participated, making it one of South Asia’s largest film industry gatherings. A total of 320 film projects from 15+ countries were showcased across key segments including the Co-Production Market, Viewing Room, Screenwriters’ Lab and Market Screenings.
The Bazaar hosted over 1,200 closed-door meetings with 220 international buyers, in addition to hundreds of open networking sessions. Negotiations for more than 320 projects worth ₹750 crore took place, while open meetings saw business discussions exceeding ₹200 crore. MoUs valued at ₹100 crore were signed during the event.
India–Australia partnership takes centre stage
A major highlight this year was the strengthened India–Australia partnership, reflected in four key MoUs signed at the Bazaar. IFFI–NFDC partnered with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for festival exchanges and a new co-distribution fund, while Deakin University, FTII Pune and IICT Mumbai announced an academic alliance to boost film education. PVR INOX tied up with Australia’s Mind Blowing Films to distribute Australian titles across India, targeting about USD 5 million in annual revenue. Additionally, PTC Punjabi joined hands with Temple Film Production to co-present three Punjabi films valued at over USD 7 million.
Strong global participation
Delegations from South Africa, Spain, Finland, Russia, the UK and New Zealand attended for government-to-government and commission-level talks. Festivals such as Raindance (UK), Tribeca Lisboa and Busan also expressed interest in featuring India as a “Focus Country” in upcoming editions.
Startup innovation gains traction
Innovation took centre stage at the WaveX Startup Pavilion, where 14 creative-tech startups showcased new products, pitched to global buyers and explored partnerships with OTT platforms and production houses.
Founded in 1952 and jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation and the Entertainment Society of Goa, IFFI remains South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival.
Running through November 28, this year’s edition highlights global filmmaking, industry dialogue and creative collaboration under the theme “Convergence of Creativity and Technology.”