Waves Bazaar Forges New Pathways in Global Cinema
Goa has once again confirmed its status as a vibrant crossroads of global cinema, with the Waves Bazaar and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) hosting an extraordinary gathering of creatives, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world. This year’s edition distinguished itself not only through its world-class programming but also through the meaningful conversations that could shape the next chapter of international filmmaking.
One of the standout moments of the festival was a panel discussion featuring leading voices from India and South Africa. I had the privilege of participating alongside an exceptional lineup, including representatives from the South African delegation-among them officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the South African Film and Television sectors, and the South African Tourism Board-as well as respected industry figures such as Bobby Bedi, Ravi Kottarakara, and Patrick Frater.
Our focus was the growing significance of coproduction treaties and, particularly, the promising potential of a more dynamic cinematic bridge between India and South Africa. We explored how a formal partnership could unlock shared resources, invite deeper creative exchange, and dramatically expand market access for filmmakers from both nations. The enthusiasm in the room suggested not merely interest, but real readiness for action.
Importantly, the discussion did not end when we left the stage. Immediately afterward, I convened a follow-up meeting between South African representatives and festival officials to shift the dialogue from possibility to process. In that gathering, we outlined a clear roadmap toward a collaborative festival initiative and discussed the foundational steps required to pursue a formal coproduction treaty. The next phases will continue in our respective countries, but this initial engagement established strong momentum-and a shared commitment to building something meaningful, sustainable, and artistically rich.
Beyond this important diplomatic and creative breakthrough, my time at Waves Bazaar and IFFI was filled with an impressive array of panels-each impeccably curated, insightful, and reflective of the industry’s rapidly evolving landscape. The sessions highlighted how art and business intersect in filmmaking today, and how global collaboration continues to reshape cinema’s future.
The festival also offered unforgettable personal experiences. I attended a private, exclusive dinner with the Chief Minister of Goa, a rare opportunity for intimate conversation about culture, governance, and the role of cinema in soft power.
This came on the heels of a remarkable masterclass with Chris Corbould, one of the world’s most celebrated special effects supervisors, whose credits include major franchises such as Batman and James Bond. Listening to Corbould share decades of wisdom was a true master-to-student moment-one of those rare encounters that expand both imagination and craft.
Amidst all this, I found myself connecting with extraordinary talents. I had the pleasure of meeting acclaimed actress Rachel Griffiths, and later shared a memorable
conversation with Aamir Khan, whose insight and humility continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences. The festival concluded with a wonderful closing ceremony-an emotional and celebratory finale to a week that was as enriching as it was energising.
As I prepare to leave the endlessly charming Goa, I do so feeling wiser, richer in experience, and profoundly inspired. I am especially grateful for how much I’ve learned about the world of AI. Coming into the festival, I felt some apprehension; leaving it, I feel empowered. I now embrace AI not as a threat but as an essential tool for the filmmaker of today-and tomorrow. One must move with the times, and I hope I am now firmly ahead of the curve.
Above all, I depart Goa with gratitude for the opportunity to network with some of the most experienced professionals across all verticals of filmmaking-from development to production, financing, post-production, distribution, and global strategy. I have grown. I have learned. I have advanced my projects, my craft, and my understanding of the industry.
And I leave Goa very, very happy-buoyed by new partnerships, new ideas, and a renewed belief in the power of cinema to connect cultures, shape futures, and tell the stories that matter most.
