New Zealand Sweetens Film Incentives, Eyes India Co-Production Revival – WAVES Film Bazaar

The Variety Awards Circuit has released predictions for the upcoming awards season, highlighting Timothée Chalamet's potential historic win and Ariana Grande's pursuit of SAG recognition amidst a competitive landscape of populist favorites and indie films.

The WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 concluded in Goa on November 24, celebrating independent cinema and advancements in AI filmmaking. Awards were presented to notable projects such as 'Kakthet' and 'Ulta,' alongside cash grants and post-production services valued in millions of rupees.

Vikramaditya Motwane has joined the upcoming coming-of-age comedy film 'Teacher’s Pet' as an executive producer, with Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy set to direct. The film, which is set in an all-girls Catholic boarding school in India, is being showcased at the WAVES Film Bazaar, part of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Kaizad Gustad has made a notable return to filmmaking with 'Lala & Poppy,' a groundbreaking love story featuring two transgender characters, which premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. This film represents a significant shift in the portrayal of trans narratives in Indian cinema, as it features actual transgender actors in leading roles.

The short film 'The Singers,' directed by Sam Davis, is gaining acclaim for its exploration of male vulnerability, drawing inspiration from a story that dates back 175 years. The film has quickly become one of the most celebrated short films of 2025, showcasing a blend of viral talent and a deeply human narrative.