Mumbai International Film Festival

VIEWING ROOM

The Viewing Room presents films from around the world, which are recently completed or still in post-production, at the Waves Doc Bazaar. These films are looking for film festivals, world sales, distribution partners and also finishing funds.
Viewing Room connects Sellers (filmmakers) with Buyers (film programmers, distributors, world sales agents and investors) from around the world. Buyers are able to watch the films, access details about the films as well as contact the filmmakers through the specially designed Viewing Room Software. This is a highly restricted zone with the aim of making it a safe space for filmmakers who submit their unreleased films. 
To create a more user-friendly experience, buyers can choose to view the films/film clips based on parameters like duration, language, stage of completion, type, and festival history, among others. The details of the films are compiled into the Viewing Room catalogue, which is distributed to all the registered delegates at the Market and will be available on the website prior to the Waves Doc Bazaar 2026.
Waves Doc Bazaar Recommends (FBR), are films recommended specially by the Waves Doc Bazaar programmer. This is a specially curated section of the Film Bazaar.

Coming Soon

Before You Submit

Before you begin, please read the Rules | Regulations for guidelines on filling the online Application Form as well as Submission of Materials. Please also read the Undertaking which has to be submitted along with the application for it to be considered complete. For any further queries, please read the FAQs.

  • The Viewing Room is open to documentary and animation films from all over the world.
  • Both short films (below 30 minutes), mid-length and feature-length films are eligible.
  • Films can be complete or in any stage of post-production, provided that a substantial portion of principal photography is complete.
  • Films in development or pre-production are not eligible.
  • This platform is best suited for films seeking film festivals, world sales, distribution opportunities, and finishing funds.
  • Films that have had limited or no international exposure are encouraged to apply.

To apply for the Viewing Room, applicants are required to complete the online application form available on the official WAVES Doc Bazaar platform.

A submission will be considered complete only upon:

  • Submission of all mandatory information and materials
  • Successful payment of the application fee
  • Applicants will be required to provide:
  • Details of the applicant (Director, Producer, Production Company)
  • Synopsis (maximum 150 words)
  • Director’s Note (maximum 150 words)
  • Filmography of Director and Producer (including film title, duration, and year of completion)
  • A password-protected, downloadable screener link (Vimeo/Google Drive preferred) for internal preview by the programmer
  • Minimum three film stills (from the film, not production stills)
  • Director’s photograph
  • Submission to the Viewing Room does not grant delegate access to WAVES Doc Bazaar.
  • Filmmakers may choose to showcase their film without physically attending the Bazaar.
  • Registered delegates with Viewing Room access may contact filmmakers directly via the platform or through contact details published in the catalogue.
  • Films seeking gap financing or finishing funds should have completed a significant portion of principal photography.
  • Filmmakers with films in rough-cut stage may also choose to apply for the Work-in-Progress Lab, subject to eligibility criteria.
  • All complete applications submitted before the deadline and adhering to guidelines will be included in the Viewing Room.
  • WAVES Doc Bazaar reserves the right to reject submissions in case of incomplete applications, incorrect formats, missed deadlines, or non-compliance with regulations. The decision of the organizing team shall be final.

Stage 1 (Application Stage):

  • Applicants must submit a password-protected screener link of the full film or rough-cut for internal viewing by the programmer.

Stage 2 (Viewing Room Showcase):

  • A minimum of 10 minutes of film material must be submitted for the Viewing Room (trailers are not accepted).
  • Filmmakers are encouraged to submit the entire film, wherever possible.
  • Final film files will be uploaded to a secure, encrypted Viewing Room server and will be accessible only to authorized delegates.
  • Application and submission timelines will be announced separately on the official platform.
  • Selected applicants will be notified regarding final film upload timelines (expected in May 2026).
  • Application Fee: INR 5,000
  • The fee is one-time and non-refundable, irrespective of participation outcome.

The Viewing Room is a restricted-access environment.

Access is granted only to curated industry professionals, including:

  • Buyers
  • Sales agents
  • Distributors
  • Film festival programmers
  • OTT/platform acquisition representatives

Filmmakers will have the ability to control and restrict access to their film from the list of eligible delegates.

Post-event, filmmakers will receive a detailed report including number of views and profiles of viewers.

After you have registered successfully as a delegate of Waves Doc Bazaar, if you wish to know whether you have access to the Viewing Room, you can write to - miffdocfilms@nfdcindia.com

WAVES Doc Bazaar is a B2B industry platform designed to facilitate connections between filmmakers and global film professionals.
Participation in the Viewing Room:

  • Does not guarantee screenings, funding, distribution, or sales
  • Is not considered a public screening or premiere
  • Does not imply endorsement by the organizing body

All films are presented on an “as available” basis, and WAVES Doc Bazaar does not assume responsibility for:

  • Accuracy or completeness of film content
  • Legal compliance of submissions
  • Any claims related to intellectual property, defamation, or third-party rights

All rights and liabilities related to the film remain solely with the filmmaker.