Echoing the stirring notes of Vande Mataram, Jaewon Kim, member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, inaugurated the 19th edition of the rebranded Waves Film Bazaar, here on Thursday. For the first time, the Bazaar will offer a USD 20,000 cash grant to boost and mentor emerging filmmakers.
Kim, the chief guest at the event, performed “Vande Mataram”, much to the delight of the attendees. The inauguration of the Waves Bazaar, which serves as the Festival’s dedicated industry platform, connecting creators with financiers, studios, festival programmers, and international partners, was also attended by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, filmmaker Garth Davis, Minister of State, Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, Additional Secretary Prabhat Kumar, Advisor to Waves Bazaar Jerome Pilloard, Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, and Festival Director of IFFI Shekhar Kapur.
Addressing the gathering, Jaju highlighted Waves Bazaar’s expanded scope, “Waves Film Bazaar will present its most ambitious slate with more than 300 films this year. 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 USD 20,000 to encourage and support emerging filmmakers.”
In his address, Murugan said India is emerging as a global power in production, digital content, gaming, fashion and music. “This is the form of the large economy in our nation. WAVES Film Bazaar will bridge the gap between the theatres to the world producers. We are also giving a platform to the young minds,” he said.
With its global participation, new grant structures, and strengthened industry platforms, the Waves Film Bazaar continues to position IFFI as a key international hub for cinematic exchange and creative collaboration.