Mumbai International Film Festival

WORK IN PROGRESS LAB

The Work-in-Progress Lab gives selected filmmakers the opportunity to screen the rough cut of their film to an eminent panel of international advisors, including film festival directors, film critics, producers, and editors. These advisors provide valuable feedback on the edit, with the aim of helping the filmmaker achieve an accomplished final cut. Previous year’s advisors included Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (India), Philippa Campbell (New Zealand), Sandrine Cassidy (USA), Sunmin Park (USA), Nitin Baid (India), and Cristina Carrasco Hernandez (Venezuela).

In 2025, the Work-in-Progress Lab selected six feature fiction films. The lab is exclusively open to feature-length fiction films.

The Director and Editor of each selected film screen their rough cut to the panel of advisors and receive in-depth one-on-one feedback. An international editor assigned to the project then guides the Director and Editor through two dedicated sessions of the Editing Lab.

Since its inception in 2008, the Work-in-Progress Lab has nurtured films that have gone on to premiere at top international film festivals and receive critical acclaim.

Apply Now

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 Work-in-Progress Lab is open to documentary and animation films from India and South Asia.
  • Only feature-length films (above 30 minutes) are eligible.
  • Films must be in a rough-cut stage or just before final edit.
  • Completed films are not eligible for the Work-in-Progress Lab.
  • A substantial portion of principal photography must be complete, while post-production should still be in progress.
  • The rough-cut submitted should be a representative version of the intended final film and should not significantly exceed the planned final duration.

To apply for the Work-in-Progress Lab, applicants are required to complete the online application form available on the 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 of the rough-cut (Vimeo/Google Drive preferred)
  • Minimum three film stills (from the film, not production stills)
  • Director’s photograph
  • The Work-in-Progress Lab is a closed-door mentoring lab and not a public or market screening platform.
  • A maximum of five (5) projects will be selected for participation.
  • Selected films will be reviewed by a panel of international mentors and industry experts, who will provide feedback towards achieving a refined final cut.
  • Participation in the Lab requires the mandatory presence of the Director.
  • The Director and Editor of the selected films will be invited to attend the Lab.
  • In case the Director is unable to attend, the project may be disqualified and replaced.
  • The Lab will be conducted in English, and participants are expected to be proficient in the language.
  • Submission to the Work-in-Progress Lab does not automatically include the film in the Viewing Room. Applicants who wish to avail both must apply under the VR & WIP category.

Applicants must submit a rough-cut or rough assembly of the film at the time of application.

The submitted rough-cut should:

  • Be a substantial portion or full version of the film
  • Have a minimum duration of approximately 35 minutes
  • Not be a trailer or promotional cut

The screener link provided will be used only for selection purposes by the programming team.

  • Application deadlines and timelines will be announced on the official platform.
  • The Work-in-Progress Lab will be conducted during WAVES Doc Bazaar (June 2026).
  • Selected participants will be informed of exact session dates and schedules in advance.
  • Application Fee: INR 5,000
  • The fee is one-time and non-refundable, irrespective of selection outcome.
  • The Work-in-Progress Lab is a closed, invite-only program for selected participants.
  • Only selected projects will be part of the Lab sessions.
  • The Lab does not provide direct market exposure or screenings; its primary objective is creative and editorial development.
  • Participants may, however, benefit from industry insights, networking, and expert guidance during the Lab.

The Work-in-Progress Lab at WAVES Doc Bazaar is a mentorship-focused initiative designed to support filmmakers in refining their films at the rough-cut stage.
Participation in the Lab:

  • Does not guarantee selection in film festivals, funding, or distribution deals
  • Is intended purely for creative feedback and development purposes
  • Does not imply endorsement by the organizing body

All films are evaluated based on the materials submitted, and the final decision regarding selection rests solely with the programming team.
All rights, responsibilities, and liabilities related to the film remain solely with the filmmaker.