Goa: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today witnessed the vibrant inauguration of the 18th edition of Film Bazaar, South Asia’s premier film market. A key segment of IFFI, Film Bazaar serves as an essential platform for both aspiring filmmakers and established industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities in the world of cinema.
The inauguration was led by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, who highlighted the remarkable response to this year’s event, with over 1,500 registrations and the participation of more than 10 country-specific pavilions. He lauded Film Bazaar as an exceptional platform for nurturing talent and facilitating meaningful collaborations. “From presenting ideas to securing deals, Film Bazaar is where filmmakers at all levels come together to turn their vision into reality,” he remarked.
A key focus of this year’s event was the Creative Minds Of Tomorrow (CMOT) program, which has significantly expanded to welcome 100 emerging talents from across India. Dr. Jaju emphasized the government’s commitment to identifying and nurturing the nation’s brightest young filmmakers, ensuring the future of Indian cinema remains vibrant and innovative.
Shekhar Kapur, renowned filmmaker and Festival Director of the 55th IFFI, also praised Film Bazaar, describing it as a place where young filmmakers present their ideas with passion and creativity. “Film Bazaar pulsates with the energy of young filmmakers showcasing their work with immense passion. I truly want to be here and feel that passion,” he said, underscoring the importance of such platforms for the growth of cinema.
Adding an innovative dimension to this year’s Film Bazaar, Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and MD of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), introduced the Online Film Bazaar initiative. This virtual platform enables global buyers and sellers to connect, collaborate, and drive the business of cinema forward, reflecting the evolving digital landscape of the film industry.
Further enhancing the opportunities for filmmakers, Vrunda Manohar Desai, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, unveiled the Co-Production Market, featuring 21 feature films and 8 web series from seven countries. She also introduced the Viewing Room, an essential resource for filmmakers seeking distribution and funding. This year, the Viewing Room will feature 208 films, including feature, mid-length, and short formats, offering filmmakers unprecedented access to a global audience.
The launch ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Jerome Paillard, Advisor to Film Bazaar, and Nicholas McCaffrey, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India, who both emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the film industry.
The 18th edition of Film Bazaar continues to be a cornerstone for filmmakers, offering them the opportunity to not only showcase their projects but also connect with global markets, distributors, and potential partners, fostering a new era of cinematic collaboration.