WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026 to return with new immersive market for storytelling
The second edition of WAVES Doc Bazaar will be held from June 16 to 18, alongside the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.
Positioned as a premier platform for documentary, animation and short filmmakers, WAVES Doc Bazaar aims to foster collaboration, mentorship and global visibility for creators across the audiovisual industry. The event will bring together filmmakers, producers, distributors, broadcasters, funders and technology partners, offering opportunities for networking, co-production and market access.
One of the key highlights of the event is the Viewing Room, a curated platform where completed or near-completion documentary, short and animation films will be showcased to a select group of buyers, distributors, programmers and investors. The initiative is designed to help filmmakers secure distribution deals, connect with co-producers and explore international festival opportunities.
Another major component is the Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab, which will support projects in the rough-cut stage. Conducted in a closed-door format, the lab will provide selected participants with expert feedback, mentorship and guidance to refine their films for wider audiences.
In a new addition this year, the Bazaar will introduce an Immersive Market focused on emerging storytelling technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR). The segment aims to provide a dedicated space for creators and technology partners to showcase innovative projects and explore new narrative formats.
Entries for both the Viewing Room and WIP Lab are now open, with the submission deadline set for May 15, 2026. The programme is open to documentary and animation films of all lengths from around the world, provided they are completed or in post-production. Projects in development or pre-production are not eligible.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said the initiative seeks to strengthen the ecosystem for non-fiction and animation content while opening new avenues for international collaboration and distribution.
With its expanded scope and industry-focused programming, WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026 is expected to play a key role in promoting creative storytelling and connecting filmmakers with global opportunities.
