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New Delhi: Goa lit up as Waves Film Bazaar 2025 closed with a bang at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today. Top filmmakers, stars like Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Sriram Raghavan, and global actor Rachel Griffiths joined dignitaries on stage.
Awards poured in for bold projects, AI innovations, and young talents. A heartfelt tribute to legend Dharmendra set the emotional tone. Get ready for highlights from this five-day cinema fiesta that promises bigger dreams in 2026.
The Waves Film Bazaar 2025 wrapped up its five exciting days at the 56th IFFI with a grand closing ceremony on November 28, 2025. Distinguished guests included Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dr Ajay Nagabhushan MN and Dr K. K. Nirala, NFDC Managing Director. Prakash Magdum, Waves Advisor Jerome Paillard, IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Sriram Raghavan, and international actor Rachel Griffiths.
The event kicked off with a one-minute silence to honour legendary actor Dharmendra for his huge contributions to Indian cinema. In his opening remarks, Dr Nagabhushan promised, "an expanded version of WAVES Film Bazaar in its 20th Edition." Sh. Magdum highlighted past successes and said NFDC remains committed to nurturing independent minds. A special video showed the best moments, building joy for awards and celebrations.
Top honours went to standout projects in co-production, scripts, post-production, and more. In Co-Production Grants, Kakthet (Idiot) won first place ($10,000), Ulta (Madam) took second ($5,000), and Simhastha Kumbh got the Special Documentary Grant ($5,000). Red Sea Fund Awards went to The Manager, Azhi, and Ustad Bantoo. Nazma Ka Tadka earned the Platoon One Script Development Grant, while Teacher’s Pet and White Guy received Casting Company Awards. 7 to 7 clinched the UCCN City of Film Best Project Award.
Post-production winners like Khoriya, Azhi, The Ink Stained Hand and the Missing Thumb, Born Yesterday, Aakkaatti, and Khamosh Nazar Aate Hain got big support from Nube Studios, Prasad Corporation, and Moviebuff. Premiere GAP Funding honoured Echoes of the Herd with the Matchbox GAP Award and Soul Whispers with the M5 Global Film Fund. Chingam bagged the Reborn India Theatrical Distribution Award.
In a world first, the AI Film Festival and CinemAI Hackathon, powered by LTIMindtree, drew entries from over 18 countries. KYRA won Best AI Animation, The Cinema That Never Was took Most Innovative AI Film, and Nagori got Best AI Short. Special mentions went to The Last Backup Final Part and Miracle on the Kachua Beach. Hackathon stars included The Red Crayon for Best AI Film, plus wins in Sound, Visuals, Storytelling, and Innovation.
The Student Producer’s Workshop celebrated emerging talents like Kaashviy Ommkaar, Aniket Joshi, Radhika Kinare, Riya Varghese, and Sakshi Mishra, pointing to a bright future for Indian cinema. Head of Waves Film Bazaar, Vineeta Mishra, gave a warm vote of thanks. The full team joined on stage for a joyful close, promising a bolder 2026 edition after massive participation and global ties.
