NFDC Waves Film Bazaar Project Ustad Bantoo Heads to International Film Festival Rotterdam 2026

The National Film Development Corporation (National Film Development Corporation) continues to champion Indian independent cinema on the global stage as Ustad Bantoo gears up for its World Premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2026, one of the world’s most respected platforms for auteur and independent filmmaking.

The film’s international trajectory has been significantly shaped through NFDC-curated initiatives, particularly the Work in Progress Lab and its recommendation at NFDC Waves Film Bazaar 2025. These platforms form an integral part of NFDC’s flagship film market ecosystem, held annually alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

During its participation at the Work in Progress Lab, Ustad Bantoo benefitted from intensive mentorship and constructive feedback from an eminent panel of international film professionals. The process enabled the filmmakers to strengthen the film’s narrative arc, cinematic language, and post-production strategy, positioning it effectively for the global festival circuit.

The film’s recommendation at NFDC Waves Film Bazaar 2025 further amplified its international visibility. As South Asia’s leading film market, Waves Film Bazaar plays a pivotal role in connecting Indian filmmakers with global producers, festival programmers, sales agents, and funding bodies, fostering international collaborations and market access.

Adding to its growing recognition, Ustad Bantoo received notable industry honours, including the Red Sea Fund Cash Award and the Prasad Corporation Pvt Ltd Post-Production Award, underscoring strong international confidence in the film’s creative vision and production quality.

Speaking on the achievement, Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, said, "Ustad Bantoo’s journey reflects NFDC’s commitment to nurturing Indian stories through structured development and market platforms. Our objective is to enable filmmakers to refine their work and connect meaningfully with the global film ecosystem. The film’s selection at the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2026 is a proud milestone and reinforces the value of sustained institutional support for Indian cinema.”

The selection of Ustad Bantoo at the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2026 marks a significant achievement for the film and highlights the tangible impact of NFDC’s development-to-distribution approach in guiding Indian projects towards international recognition.

Through initiatives such as the Work in Progress Lab and NFDC Waves Film Bazaar, held in conjunction with IFFI, NFDC continues to empower Indian filmmakers and ensure that diverse, compelling voices from India find a strong presence on the world cinema stage.