Panaji, November 15: Goa will once again emerge as a major destination for international cinematic collaboration as the 20th edition of WAVES Film Bazaar gets underway at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon from November 20 to 24, 2026, alongside the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Adding a distinct Goan flavour to the prestigious event, the proposed multilingual feature film Goodbye Mr D’Mello has been selected for the Co-Production Market, offering an opportunity to showcase contemporary Goan storytelling before an international audience of film producers, financiers and industry professionals.

The project is among 20 feature film proposals selected from five countries, representing 15 languages, for the international co-production platform. Its selection is particularly significant for Goa, as the film seeks to explore the changing social and cultural landscape of the state through humour and storytelling.

‘Goodbye Mr D’Mello’ Explores Goa in Transition

To be directed by filmmaker Ridham Janve and co-written by Janve and Goan writer Mayabhushan Nagvenkar, Goodbye Mr D’Mello is envisioned as a multilingual feature in Konkani, English and Hindi.

Described as a humorous yet revealing portrayal of a Goa undergoing transformation, the film aims to capture the complexities of a society negotiating change while retaining its distinctive cultural identity.

The project is being produced by Vikas Kumar and Sharib Khan of Khan & Kumar Media, along with Mayabhushan Nagvenkar.

Khan & Kumar Media has previously been associated with Songs of Forgotten Trees (2025) and Lovers in the Blue Night (2026), both described by the producers as Venice Film Festival award-winning productions.

The selection of Goodbye Mr D’Mello provides its creative team with an opportunity to engage directly with international production houses, potential investors, distributors and other industry stakeholders. The platform could prove instrumental in securing partnerships and financial support required to bring the proposed film to the screen.

For Goa’s regional cinema, the project’s inclusion also highlights the potential for locally rooted narratives to reach audiences beyond linguistic and geographical boundaries.

WAVES Film Bazaar Completes Two Decades

Launched by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in 2007 with the objective of nurturing South Asian storytelling, Film Bazaar has evolved into one of the region’s important international platforms for film development, financing, distribution and collaboration.

The 2026 edition marks 20 years of the initiative, which has played a significant role in connecting independent filmmakers with producers, sales agents, international financiers, distributors and film festival programmers.

Now operating under the broader WAVES Film Bazaar banner, the initiative seeks to strengthen India’s position within the global audiovisual industry while creating opportunities for filmmakers from South Asia and beyond.

The five-day event will bring together established industry professionals and emerging creative talent through a range of specialised programmes designed to support films at various stages of development and production.

Co-Production Market to Connect Filmmakers with Global Investors

One of the principal attractions of WAVES Film Bazaar is its Co-Production Market, which enables selected feature films and documentaries to present their creative concepts, financing requirements and production plans before potential international collaborators.

The market serves as a bridge between filmmakers seeking financial and creative partnerships and production companies interested in supporting promising cinematic projects.

For selected films such as Goodbye Mr D’Mello, the market offers opportunities to explore co-production agreements, international financing, professional mentorship and eventual distribution arrangements.

The selection itself does not guarantee funding or distribution, but provides filmmakers with access to an international network that can substantially improve a project’s prospects.

Screenwriters’ Lab, Work-in-Progress Lab and Viewing Room

Apart from the Co-Production Market, the Film Bazaar will feature several initiatives aimed at strengthening different stages of filmmaking.

The NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab focuses on nurturing emerging writing talent through professional guidance, script development and mentorship.

The Work-in-Progress Lab provides filmmakers with expert feedback on projects approaching completion, helping them refine their creative vision and improve their prospects for international festival participation and distribution.

The Viewing Room and Market Screenings offer opportunities for filmmakers to present their work to festival programmers, buyers, distributors and other professionals seeking new cinematic content.

The Producers’ Lab is another important component, facilitating professional development, networking and a better understanding of film financing and international production practices.

Knowledge Series to Focus on Changing Film Industry

The Knowledge Series will bring together leading industry figures to discuss emerging trends in filmmaking, distribution strategies, evolving business models, technological developments and international partnerships.

Country and state pavilions, technology showcases and market stalls will further provide opportunities for governments, production companies and industry organisations to promote their audiovisual capabilities and attract investment.

These initiatives are expected to facilitate cross-border partnerships and encourage greater interaction between India’s regional film industries and international markets.

Platform Behind Several Acclaimed Indian Films

Over the past two decades, Film Bazaar has contributed to the development and international journeys of several critically acclaimed Indian films.

Among the notable titles associated with the platform are Ship of Theseus, Anhe Ghode Da Daan, Miss Lovely, Qissa, The Lunchbox, Liar’s Dice, Court, Titli, Margarita With A Straw, Chauthi Koot, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Thithi, Newton and Manto.

More recent films associated with its initiatives include Fire in the Mountains (2021), In the Belly of the Tiger (2024), Girls Will Be Girls (2024), Cactus Pears (2025), Shape of Momo (2026) and Little Thomas (2026).

The NFDC has also extended financial support to more than 300 films across 21 regional languages, contributing to the growth and recognition of diverse Indian cinematic traditions.

Opportunity for Goan Cinema to Reach Global Audiences

The selection of Goodbye Mr D’Mello assumes added importance against the backdrop of growing interest in regional and multilingual Indian cinema.

Although Goa has long been a popular filming destination for productions from across India and abroad, the development of original stories rooted in Goan society, culture and language offers a different opportunity for the state’s film industry.

With Konkani forming an integral part of the proposed film’s linguistic identity, the project could help introduce international audiences to contemporary Goan experiences through a locally grounded narrative.

Its participation in the Co-Production Market also demonstrates how regional filmmakers can use international industry platforms to develop projects that may otherwise face challenges in accessing production finance and distribution networks.

As WAVES Film Bazaar celebrates its 20th edition, the focus will be on expanding international partnerships, supporting emerging filmmakers and opening new markets for Indian cinema.

For Goa, hosting the event alongside IFFI offers an opportunity not merely to welcome the global film fraternity but also to showcase its own creative talent and storytelling potential.

With Goodbye Mr D’Mello entering the international co-production arena, the upcoming Film Bazaar could mark another step towards bringing distinctly Goan stories to the global screen.