Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry Unveils Expanded WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026

Mumbai, May 6, 2026: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has confirmed that the second edition of WAVES Doc Bazaar will take place from June 16 to 18, 2026, at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai alongside the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival, reinforcing India’s growing role as a global hub for documentary, animation, and short film innovation.

Positioned as a comprehensive industry platform, WAVES Doc Bazaar aims to support filmmakers at multiple stages of content creation by connecting them with producers, distributors, broadcasters, funders, and technology collaborators. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the upcoming event is designed to strengthen international networking, mentorship, and market opportunities for both emerging creators and established professionals.

One of the major highlights of the event will be the Viewing Room, where completed and post production documentary, short, and animation projects will be presented to a curated audience of buyers, festival programmers, investors, and distributors. This secure industry focused platform is expected to provide filmmakers with direct access to funding opportunities, co production partnerships, sales representation, and global festival pathways.

The Work in Progress Lab will offer another major opportunity for selected documentary and animation creators with rough cut stage projects. Through expert mentorship and closed door review sessions, participants will receive professional guidance from experienced editors, filmmakers, and international advisors to refine their work for broader market readiness.

In a significant expansion this year, WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026 will also introduce its first Immersive Market dedicated to virtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality, and interactive storytelling. This new segment is expected to create opportunities for creators and technology innovators exploring future ready narrative formats and digital audience experiences.

Applications for both the Viewing Room and Work in Progress Lab are currently open to documentary and animation filmmakers worldwide. Eligible projects include short, mid length, and feature films that are completed or nearing completion, while development stage projects are excluded. The submission deadline has been set for May 15, 2026.

By integrating traditional filmmaking with emerging immersive technologies, WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026 is set to become a major catalyst for creative growth, industry collaboration, and global market expansion for India’s evolving audiovisual sector.