Selected Films For The Work-in-Progress Lab At Film Bazaar 2024 Highlight Emerging Talent

The Film Bazaar 2024 has unveiled its official selection for the Work-in-Progress Lab. This year, the lab will continue its hybrid format, offering both online and offline sessions. This approach enables filmmakers and mentors to collaborate effectively, brainstorming in real-time to secure post-production support.

This year's Film Bazaar highlights six remarkable fiction films, with five being debut features from emerging filmmakers. These films present a variety of narratives and cultural viewpoints. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is focusing on young filmmakers, showcasing their innovative storytelling and fresh perspectives.

A significant portion of the works in progress are led by debut filmmakers, demonstrating the festival's commitment to supporting new talent. This initiative encourages creativity and invites audiences to connect with stories that reflect contemporary life's complexities through new artists' eyes. Film Bazaar is celebrating these emerging voices at an exciting time for cinema.

The selected films include:

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)

The Work-in-Progress Lab focuses on fiction features intended for theatrical release, selecting up to six films annually. Directors and editors of these films can present their rough cuts to a panel of esteemed mentors for one-on-one feedback. Renowned editors will guide them through editing sessions, enhancing their craft and refining their vision.

The lab's mentors include film festival directors, critics, producers, and experienced editors dedicated to helping filmmakers achieve a polished final cut.

Legacy of Success

Since 2008, the Work-in-Progress Lab has been instrumental in shaping films that have premiered at prestigious international festivals, receiving critical acclaim. Notable past projects include Putul Nacher Itikatha (2023), Shivamma (2021), Ek Jagah Apni (2021), Powai (2020), Paka (River of Blood) (2020), Pedro (2019), Shankar's Fairies (2019), Laila Aur Satt Geet (2019), Fire in the Mountains (2019), Eeb Allay Ooo! (2018), Soni (2017), The Gold-Laden Sheep and The Sacred Mountain (2016), Lipstick Under My Burkha (2015), Thithi (2014), Titli (2013), Killa (2013), Tumbbad (2012), Miss Lovely (2011) and Ship of Theseus (2011).

This year's selected filmmakers are set to embark on an exciting journey as they work towards completing their feature film projects with creativity and passion.