The Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated today at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, marking the North American debut of WAVES Bazaar, India’s first international e-marketplace for the film, media, and AVGC-XR sector.

According to ANI, the Pavilion was opened by Ajay Nagabhushan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, and Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, alongside Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. The initiative has been organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

This year, the spotlight is on WAVES Bazaar, a platform designed to bring together creators and buyers across film, television, streaming, gaming, animation, music, and immersive technologies. The e-marketplace aims to facilitate buyer-seller interactions, project showcases, and international collaborations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Nagabhushan said the Pavilion is “not only a celebration of India’s cinematic excellence but also a platform to build global partnerships.” He highlighted that for the first time, India’s TIFF delegation features only women-led film projects. From over 200 applications submitted in a week, six projects were chosen by an international jury through the WAVES Bazaar platform. “These extraordinary filmmakers are emissaries of a new era, where women’s voices, visions, and stories take centre stage globally,” he added in a press release issued by MIB.

Looking ahead to the WAVES Bazaar showcase on September 6, Nagabhushan underlined its role in extending the initiative’s global footprint. “WAVES, a landmark initiative launched in Mumbai in February, is now resonating across the world. Its impact and reach can also be seen in Canada,” he said, noting that the event will feature panel discussions, policy dialogues, and B2B meetings between Indian and international stakeholders.

Echoing the sentiment, Acting Consul General Singh said Toronto, with its thriving film industry and large Indian diaspora, offers the right backdrop for the launch. “The step will strengthen India-Canada cultural and business ties,” he noted.

TIFF chief Cameron Bailey praised the initiative, acknowledging India’s growing role in shaping the global cinematic landscape. Discussions following the inauguration also touched upon the potential of WAVES Bazaar as a bridge between India’s creative economy and global markets, and even the possibility of establishing a dedicated film market at TIFF in the future.

Curated by the NFDC, the Bharat Pavilion at TIFF 2025 will serve as a hub for global networking, industry exchanges, and B2B collaborations, reaffirming India’s growing leadership in the international media and entertainment sector.