Film Bazaar has announced six exceptional fiction films which have made it to the official selection for the Work-in-Progress Lab at IFFI this year.

The selected films are:

1. Shape of Momos by Tribeny Rai (Nepali)

2. Gaangshalik (Gaangshalik – River Bird) by Shakteedhar Bir (Bengali)

3. Yerra Mandaram (The Red Hibiscus) by Mohan Kumar Valasala (Telugu)

4. Kaatti Ri Raatti (Hunters Moon) by Ridham Janve (Gaddi, Nepali)

5. Umal by Siddharth Badi (Marathi)

6. The Good, The Bad, The Hungry by Vivek Kumar (Hindi)

Following the time-tested model, the Lab will constitute both Online & Offline sessions this year as well. This mix of different modes of engagement allows the filmmakers and the mentors to brainstorm in real time and figure out ways to achieve the post-production support.

Five out of these six films are debut features from young and emerging filmmakers. These films not only showcase a wealth of diverse narratives but also reflect a rich tapestry of cultural perspectives. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which is stepping into its 55th year this month and is making a significant statement by centering its focus on young filmmakers, highlighting their innovative storytelling and fresh visions.

The Works in Progress (WIP) segment reflects IFFI’s commitment to foster creativity, and highlight stories that resonate to diverse audiences reflecting the complexities of contemporary life through the eyes of a new generation of artists. It’s an exciting time for cinema, and Film Bazaar is at the forefront of celebrating these emerging voices!

About Work-in-Progress Lab

The Work-in-Progress Lab is dedicated to fiction features aimed at theatrical release, with a maximum of six films selected each year. The directors and editors of the selected films will have the unique opportunity to showcase their rough cuts to a panel of esteemed mentors, receiving invaluable one-on-one feedback. Nationally and internationally recognized editors will guide the selected filmmakers through editing sessions, enhancing their craft and refining their vision. The mentors include a diverse array of industry professionals, including film festival directors, critics, producers, and seasoned editors, all committed to helping filmmakers achieve a polished final cut.

Since its inception in 2008, the Work-in-Progress Lab has played a pivotal role in shaping films that have gone on to premiere at prestigious international film festivals, garnering critical acclaim. Notable past projects include Putul Nacher Itikatha (WIP Lab 2023), Shivamma (WIP Lab 2021, Busan 2022 winner), Ek Jagah Apni (WIP Lab 2021), Powai (WIP Lab 2020), Paka (River of Blood) (WIP Lab 2020), Pedro (WIP Lab 2019), Shankar’s Fairies (WIP Lab 2019), Laila Aur Satt Geet (The Shepherdess and the Seven Songs) (WIP Lab 2019), Fire in the Mountains (WIP Lab 2019), Eeb Allay Ooo! (WIP Lab 2018), Soni (WIP Lab 2017), The Gold-Laden Sheep and The Sacred Mountain (WIP Lab 2016), Lipstick Under My Burkha (WIP Lab 2015), Thithi (WIP Lab 2014), Titli (WIP Lab 2013), Killa (WIP Lab 2013), Tumbbad (WIP 2012), Miss Lovely (WIP Lab 2011) and Ship of Theseus (WIP Lab 2011).

About Film Bazaar

Film Bazaar is a B2B platform aimed at promotion of South Asian films to an international and national market. Viewing Room at Film Bazaar is a paid platform provided to filmmakers to individually promote their film to international film festivals, world sales agents and buyers.

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Ajay KR