The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) is organizing the 20th edition of WAVES Film Bazaar from November 20-24, 2026, at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa, alongside the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This platform serves as a significant cinematic exchange, collaboration, and business opportunity venue connecting South Asian storytelling with international markets.
The event features multiple key initiatives including the Co-Production Market that connects selected feature films and documentaries with international producers and financiers, the NFDC Screenwriters' Lab for nurturing emerging writing talent, and the Work-in-Progress Lab providing expert feedback to filmmakers. Additional components include The Viewing Room, Market Screenings, Producers' Lab, and the Knowledge Series which brings together industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, distribution, business models, and international collaborations.
Film Bazaar was initiated by NFDC in 2007 and has evolved into an important international platform connecting filmmakers, producers, financiers, distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. The organization has provided financial support to over 300 films across 21 regional languages, many of which have received national and international recognition. Notable films supported include Ship of Theseus (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Court (2014), Newton (2017), Manto (2018), and more recent titles like Girls Will be Girls (2024) and Little Thomas (2026).
The 20th edition aims to strengthen India's presence in the global film ecosystem by fostering creative partnerships, supporting emerging talent, and creating new opportunities for Indian cinema on the international stage through industry collaboration, mentorship, financing, and distribution opportunities.