Exciting Projects Unveiled for WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026
Mumbai is set to host the second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar as part of the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) from June 16 to 18, 2026. The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has officially unveiled the selected projects for this initiative, which aims to support and promote documentary filmmaking by facilitating connections among industry professionals.
The WAVES Doc Bazaar will take place at the NFDC Head Office on Dr. Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, bringing together a vibrant community of filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, distributors, festival programmers, and other key figures from the documentary, short film, and animation sectors. This platform encourages collaboration, networking, and market opportunities through various features like the Viewing Room, Work-in-Progress Lab, and Business-to-Business meetings.
This year, NFDC has taken an impressive step to nurture emerging talent by introducing cash grants of ₹3 lakh for three standout projects at WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026. These grants will honor projects that demonstrate remarkable creative vision, compelling storytelling, artistic excellence, and significant potential to captivate audiences in India and worldwide.
Selected Projects Highlighted
A total of 12 projects have been chosen for the _WAVES Doc Bazaar Recommends_ program, which includes four films participating in the Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab. The WIP Lab allows filmmakers to present rough cuts of their films to a panel of international advisors and editors, who will offer invaluable feedback and mentorship, helping them refine their works for broader industry engagement.
In addition, eight other projects have been selected to seek sales, distribution, and exhibition opportunities. This initiative will facilitate interactions with buyers, distributors, broadcasters, and streaming platforms, aiming to enhance market access and extend the reach of these creative endeavors.
All 12 of the selected projects will present during an Open Pitch Session on June 16, 2026, allowing filmmakers to showcase their vision to a diverse audience, including industry professionals and festival representatives. This opportunity aims to foster meaningful partnerships and collaborations while promoting each project’s unique perspective.
Viewing Room and Global Participation
A key feature of the WAVES Doc Bazaar this year is the Viewing Room, a dedicated digital library that enables filmmakers to exhibit their work to potential buyers and industry stakeholders, providing essential networking and acquisition opportunities. The Viewing Room will showcase 155 projects from 19 countries, presented in 35 languages, thus offering buyers and broadcasters access to a rich array of documentary narratives and diverse perspectives.
Films in Focus
The selected films for the WIP Lab include:
- Adieu Dilli – Directors: Nandan Saxena and Kavita Bahl
- It Takes A Village – Director: Indrajeet More
- Kunchok and His Many Moons – Director: Ashok Meena
- On a Good Note – Director: Karishma Rao
The lineup for _WAVES Doc Bazaar Recommends_ features:
- By the Home – Director: Mankap Nokwoham
- Do Chaar Din – Director: Saanya Anand
- Eche – Director: Dingku Thingnam
- Rasanishpathi – Director: Harish K. M.
- Rise – Director: Arastu Zakia
- The Girl Beneath The Sun – Director: Madhurima Maiti
- Turu – Director: Rameshwar Bhatt
- Tukro Tukro Prithibi – Director: Asmita Pal
This diverse lineup illustrates the growing creativity and strength in contemporary documentary filmmaking, reflecting NFDC’s commitment to supporting new voices and creating meaningful engagement opportunities within the global market.
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