Mumbai: The official selection of films for the Work-in-Progress Lab at Film Bazaar 2024 has been announced. This year, the lab will feature both online and offline sessions, allowing filmmakers and mentors to collaborate in real time on achieving post-production support.
The selection includes six notable fiction films, with five being debut features from emerging filmmakers. These films present diverse narratives and cultural perspectives, showcasing IFFI's commitment to focusing on young filmmakers and their innovative storytelling.
The majority of the works in progress (WIP) projects are led by debut filmmakers, emphasizing the initiative's support for new talent in the industry. This effort not only nurtures creativity but also invites audiences to connect with stories reflecting contemporary life through a new generation of artists. Film Bazaar is at the forefront of celebrating these emerging voices.
The selected films are:
. Shape of Momos by Tribeny Rai (Nepali)
. Gaangshalik (Gaangshalik – River Bird) by Shakteedhar Bir (Bengali)
. Yerra Mandaram (The Red Hibiscus) by Mohan Kumar Valasala (Telugu)
. Kaatti Ri Raatti (Hunters Moon) by Ridham Janve (Gaddi, Nepali)
. Umal by Siddharth Badi (Marathi)
. The Good The Bad The Hungry by Vivek Kumar (Hindi)
The Work-in-Progress Lab focuses on fiction features intended for theatrical release, selecting a maximum of six films each year. Directors and editors of the selected films will present their rough cuts to a panel of esteemed mentors for valuable feedback. Recognized editors will guide the filmmakers through editing sessions, enhancing their craft. The diverse mentors include film festival directors, critics, producers, and experienced editors committed to helping filmmakers achieve a polished final cut.
Since its inception in 2008, the Work-in-Progress Lab has significantly shaped films that have premiered at prestigious international film festivals. 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), and Fire in the Mountains (WIP Lab 2019).
The anticipation is high for the creativity and passion of this year’s selected filmmakers as they work toward completing their feature film projects.
