2nd edition of WAVES Doc Bazaar will return from June 16 to 18, 2026

Entries Open for Viewing Room & Work-in-Progress Lab at WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026

WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026 to Introduce Immersive Market for Next-Gen Storytelling

The 2nd edition of WAVES Doc Bazaar will return from June 16 to 18, 2026, alongside the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), at the NFDC Complex, Mumbai.

WAVES Doc Bazaar is a premier one-stop platform designed to nurture and accelerate the journey of documentary, animation and short filmmakers by creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, market access and global visibility. Returning with its second edition, the platform aims to bring together established professionals and emerging talent from across the audiovisual industry. Further, the Bazaar will serve as a vibrant hub for creators, producers, distributors, broadcasters, funders and technology partners, supporting various stages of production and distribution while empowering exceptional storytelling and helping filmmakers reach global audiences. Participants will gain valuable insights into current industry trends, market demands, distribution strategies and audience preferences through direct engagement with experts and experienced practitioners.

Among the key segments of WAVES Doc Bazaar is the Viewing Room (VR), where documentary, short and animation films that are recently completed or in post-production will be showcased to a curated audience of registered delegates. Designed as a secure platform accessible only to selected buyers, programmers, distributors and investors, it offers filmmakers opportunities to secure distribution deals, connect with co-producers and world sales agents, explore film festival prospects, and access finishing funds. Through a specially designed system, buyers can browse films based on language, duration, stage of completion and other details, while selected titles will also be featured in the Viewing Room catalogue to be shared with all registered delegates and made available online ahead of the event.

The Work-In-Progress Lab (WIP) is specially designed for documentary and animation films in the rough-cut stage. Conducted in a closed-door setting, the lab enables selected participants to receive valuable feedback, guidance and mentorship from experienced filmmakers, editors and international mentors, helping them refine their projects for wider audiences.

Immersive Market to Premiere at WAVES Doc Bazaar with Focus on VR, AR and XR

For the first time, WAVES Doc Bazaar will also introduce the Immersive Market, a dedicated platform for immersive content creators, producers and technology partners. Focused on VR, AR, XR and interactive experiences, the market will provide a space to showcase innovative projects, explore new storytelling formats and foster meaningful collaborations.

With its dynamic programming and industry-focused initiatives, WAVES Doc Bazaar stands poised to strengthen the ecosystem for documentaries, animation and short films, while opening new pathways for creative excellence and international outreach.

Entries Open for Viewing Room and WIP Lab at WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026

Entries are now open for the Viewing Room and Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab at WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026, a global platform that connects documentary and animation filmmakers with leading industry professionals. Interested participants may submit their applications until May 15, 2026, by 11:59 PM IST.

PIB File Photos of the inaugural edition of Doc Film Bazaar held in 2024.

Eligibility
The program is open to documentary and animation films from across the globe. Short, mid-length, and feature-length films are eligible to be showcased in the WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026. Films must be completed or in post-production, with most of the shooting already finished. Projects in development or pre-production are not eligible. Filmmakers with projects seeking festivals, sales, distribution, or finishing funds are especially encouraged to apply. Films with limited or no international exposure are welcome.

Submission Process

In the first stage, applicants must submit a password protected screener link of the full film or a rough cut for review. If selected, filmmakers must submit at least 10 minutes of footage for the Viewing Room. Submitting the full film is strongly encouraged. Final files will be securely uploaded and made accessible only to authorized participants.

Filmmakers are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage and connect with key decision-makers in the documentary and animation industry.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on the link below.

Rules and Regulations, FAQs and more details on VR and WIP may be accessed here.