Constructing The International Film Festival of India 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa is not just a celebration of world cinema — it’s a clear signal of the government’s serious backing for creative talent. At the heart of this edition are major figures from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who chairs the IFFI steering committee, and I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, both of whom have emphasized a “Convergence of Creativity & Technology” as this year’s guiding theme.

The International Film Festival of India 2025 is being organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), now more directly responsible for the festival after absorbing several film units. At the July 2025 steering committee meeting, Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of NFDC, joined hands with Mr. Vaishnaw and Mr. Jaju to plan an expansive line-up, new outreach initiatives, and an inclusive vision for young creators.

In a striking move, IFFI has introduced India’s first AI Film Festival & Hackathon, under the aegis of NFDC and supported by the Ministry. This gives filmmakers and technologists a unique platform to explore AI-driven storytelling, with veteran festival director Shekhar Kapur himself heading the jury.

FTII (Film & Television Institute of India)  another institution under the I&B Ministry is also contributing to IFFI 2025’s spirit of learning. According to recent reports, FTII faculty will lead a Film Appreciation course in Goa during the festival, helping journalists and delegates deepen their understanding of cinema. The involvement of FTII underscores how education and policy are converging within the Ministry’s broader push for creative excellence.

Moreover, Press Information Bureau (PIB) leadership is closely connected: the media accreditation office has highlighted the role of PIB in facilitating IFFI’s press coverage, underlining the institutional seriousness behind the glitz.

All in all, IFFI 2025 feels like much more than just a film festival it’s a strategic, state-supported effort to bridge cinema, technology, and talent.

WAVES Bazaar Elevates Indian Women Filmmakers at TIFF

WAVES Bazaar serves as a specialized platform for businesses to present their products and services, seek collaborative opportunities, and form new partnerships.

Swati Bhat

Under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's flagship international markets platform, WAVES Bazaar, six Indian filmmakers leading women-centric projects represented the country at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, held last month. This initiative, led by Women in Film (WIF) India and supported by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), marked a significant milestone in showcasing the creativity and vision of Indian women filmmakers on a global stage. The filmmakers—Arshaly Jose, Deepa Bhatia, Katyayani Kumar, Madhumita Sundararaman, Paromita Dhar, and Pramati Anand—were selected from over 200 entries following a week-long nationwide call.

Ministry officials described this development as a defining moment for India’s film industry and creative community. "For the first time, six Indian filmmakers leading women-centric projects represented the country at one of the world’s most influential film forums. The delegation highlighted regional, rooted, and real stories from Kerala and Manipur to Maharashtra and Delhi, demonstrating that India’s creative diversity knows no boundaries," stated ministry officials. The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) is an event focused on establishing India as a key hub for the media and entertainment industry. The inaugural event took place in Mumbai in May. WAVES Bazaar is a dedicated platform for companies to showcase their products and services, explore collaborations, and establish new partnerships.

Supported by WAVES Bazaar’s expansive ecosystem, these filmmakers gained access to mentorship, international markets, and industry exposure once reserved for seasoned global creators. Over the past year, WAVES Bazaar has evolved into a crucial bridge between Indian content creators and international studios, facilitating co-productions, global distribution deals, and strategic collaborations across continents, officials noted. WIF India Founder and Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor described the collaboration as "a dream realized." "Exposure is at the heart of all growth. Through WIF India and WAVES Bazaar, we are building pathways for women to take their stories to the world," she stated. "We are taking our initial steps, building this institution piece by piece, and now moving it forward." For the participants, the TIFF experience was transformative.

Kerala-based filmmaker Arshaly Jose shared, "Pitching to international producers and distributors showed me that my stories could transcend borders. For the first time, I felt I truly belonged." Similarly, Deepa Bhatia reflected, "It was the thoughtful details from mentorship to wellbeing that made this experience special. WIF and WAVES are clearly shaking up the industry." With cumulative deals exceeding Rs 800 crores across film, animation, and music, and structured programs like Co-Production Labs and Screenwriters’ Forums, WAVES Bazaar is redefining how India engages with the world creatively.

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India Showcases Global Ambition with WAVES Bazaar Pavilion at Busan Film Festival 2025

Swati Bhat

Busan, South Korea –September 20,2025

India strengthened its global creative footprint at the Busan Film Festival 2025 with the inauguration of the WAVES Bazaar Pavilion, a dedicated space designed to connect Indian creators with international markets. Dignitaries at the event emphasized India’s growing influence in the global content economy and the pavilion’s role as a bridge between Indian storytelling and global audiences.

The WAVES Bazaar Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing Indian films, digital content, and original stories to international buyers and distributors. It will also host B2B meetings between Indian and foreign producers, distributors, and content platforms, fostering new collaborations in global entertainment.

A major highlight of the pavilion is its focus on emerging creative industries such as animation, VFX, gaming, and immersive storytelling, aligning with India’s ambition to lead in new-age media innovation.

“WAVES Bazaar embodies India’s creative vision and its commitment to global collaboration,” noted one of the dignitaries at the Busan Film Festival.

The launch marks a significant milestone in India’s active participation in international film markets, further strengthening its position as a global hub for creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.