IFFI 2024, 07: Caution: Work in Progress, active pitching at Film Bazaar for 4 days

The prestigious lab, based in South Asia's largest film market, has historically aimed to nurture emerging film-makers with developed projects before they reach audiences.

For selected film-makers, the WIP Lab is a unique opportunity to benefit from the expert guidance and constructive criticism on their projects in the necessarily final stages of the work.

Continuing to build upon this formula for success that has been honed over the years, the lab will once again include a mix of online and in-person opportunities. This hybrid dynamic has been key to enabling real-time, flexible communication amongst film-makers and mentors, enabling in-depth discussions that help projects evolve in unique and meaningful ways.

By offering both online and offline engagement, the WIP Lab provides a collaborative environment, where participants can gain diverse perspectives and insights, all while preserving the benefits of face-to-face brainstorming and interaction.

Add to that the variety in formats, forming an additional layer in the creative process (the fact that people can join from all over the world, but at the same time, everyone engages in a face-to-face conversation) and it is hard to imagine a way to host an interaction of this nature better than this. The intent behind the initiative is to strategise fresh approaches towards post-production assistance, encompassing everything from editorial, VFX, sound design, and distribution strategies.

Under the mentorship of industry professionals, each filmmaker will refine their stories to be fully-developed and ripe for the international market.

More than just a support structure, the WIP Lab serves as a bridge between filmmakers and audiences.

The lab invites viewers into the process, fostering deeper connections to stories that resonate across cultures and generations. By showcasing diverse narratives that reflect the challenges, dreams, and complexities of contemporary life, the WIP Lab provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to tell bold and powerful stories, resonating with audiences on multiple levels.

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).

Here is the official list of films selected for Film Bazaar 2024’s Work-in-Progress Lab:

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)