The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is poised to bring Goa to life from November 20 to 28, transforming it into a vibrant cultural epicenter. Running concurrently, the 18th edition of Film Bazaar will take place from November 20 to 24, creating a unique platform for filmmakers, distributors, and industry professionals to network, collaborate, and showcase their work.
At the heart of this event is the Viewing Room, returning to the Marriott Resort with an enriched selection of films from India and South Asia. This segment has evolved into a vital space for filmmakers, particularly those seeking distribution and financing, to connect directly with global film programmers, distributors, sales agents, and investors. The Viewing Room will be accessible from November 21 to 24, showcasing films in various stages of completion, from final cuts to post-production.
This year’s Viewing Room Library features an impressive lineup of 208 films, including 145 feature films, 23 mid-length films, and 30 short films. Among these, 12 titles are National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) productions or co-productions, with an additional 10 restored classics curated by NFDC and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). Films with running times between 30 and 70 minutes will feature in the Mid-Length Films category, while films under 30 minutes will be showcased as Short Films.
Spotlight on Film Bazaar Recommends (FBR)
A highlight of this year’s Film Bazaar is the Film Bazaar Recommends (FBR) list, a curated selection of 27 standout projects: 19 feature films, 3 mid-length films, 2 short films, and 3 restored classics. This initiative emphasizes projects with a unique storytelling approach, offering them a platform to engage with a broader audience.
Prithul Kumar, Managing Director of NFDC, expressed enthusiasm about the FBR selection: “We are thrilled to announce the selections for the FBR, which celebrate the creativity and passion of filmmakers. This initiative is not just about recognition; it’s about empowering storytellers to share their visions with the world. We believe in the transformative power of film and are committed to supporting the next generation of artists as they inspire and entertain.”
The selected projects from the FBR list will also have a unique opportunity to pitch their films to an array of industry leaders — producers, distributors, festival programmers, and investors — during an open pitching session at Film Bazaar. This feature enables filmmakers from the Viewing Room to showcase their work directly to decision-makers, enhancing their chances of finding potential distribution and collaboration opportunities.
About Film Bazaar’s Viewing Room
Film Bazaar is India’s premier B2B platform, designed to promote South Asian films to both national and international markets. The Viewing Room, a restricted area within Film Bazaar, is a paid space that allows filmmakers to individually promote their films to film festival representatives, sales agents, and buyers from across the world. Here, “Sellers” (filmmakers) can connect with “Buyers” (film programmers, distributors, and investors), who are vetted by the Film Bazaar team.
Through a specially designed Viewing Room Software, buyers gain access to film details and have the opportunity to contact filmmakers directly. This virtual platform facilitates seamless interaction, allowing filmmakers to highlight their projects on a global scale.
The Film Bazaar Viewing Room at IFFI 2024 stands as an essential destination for professionals in the film industry, offering filmmakers a direct path to international visibility, while empowering South Asian cinema to reach wider audiences.