Movies
Film Bazaar 2024 announces official selection for Work-in-Progress Lab
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.
Movies
Tamil film Made in Korea tops Netflix global chart, storms 24 countries
Cross-cultural drama races to No.1, marking a global breakthrough for South Indian cinema
MUMBAI: A Tamil tale has gone global at speed. Netflix’s Made in Korea has shot to No.1 on its Global Top 10 Non-English Films list, trending across 24 countries within days of release.
Premiering on March 12, the film, directed by Ra.Karthik and starring Priyanka Mohan, is the only South Indian title to claim the top spot across both licensed and Netflix original films, underlining the growing global pull of regional Indian cinema.
The story, which follows Shenba’s journey from Tamil Nadu to Seoul, has struck a chord for its emotional warmth, scenic visuals and cross-cultural appeal. Early word-of-mouth has powered its rapid climb, turning a modest release into a global talking point.
Monika Shergill, vice-president, content, Netflix India, said, “We are proud that a story like Made in Korea has become the first ever film from our south slate to land at the No.1 spot on our Global Top 10 Non-English Films list. It reaffirms our belief that there is so much more from India for the world to discover and embrace. This film stands out for blending two distinct cultures into one powerful story that explores universal emotions of love, friendship, belonging and family. At Netflix, we remain committed to championing authentic, locally rooted stories and it’s incredibly exciting to see a film like this travel so widely and connect with audiences around the world.”
Priyanka Mohan called the moment deeply personal. “Moments like these are what every artist truly hopes for. We always strive to give our best, but some films become very special in our journey as performers, and Made in Korea is one of them for me. Shenba is a character that touched my heart from the moment I read the script, and bringing her story to life has been incredibly meaningful. Working with Ra.Karthik sir was a wonderful experience. He has such clarity and sincerity in the way he tells stories. I’m also grateful to our producer Sreenidhi Sagar sir and the entire team for their constant support. And of course, my heartfelt thanks to Netflix for giving this story such a wonderful platform and helping it reach audiences everywhere.”
Ra.Karthik struck a similar note. “There are certain films you make with complete faith in the audience, believing they will connect with the emotions you are trying to convey. It is truly heartening to see Made in Korea trending on Netflix and receiving such encouraging responses from viewers, not just in India but across the world. Priyanka Mohan brought incredible dedication and sincerity to Shenba’s character, and that commitment reflects beautifully on screen. I’m grateful to producer Sreenidhi Sagar for trusting this story and to Netflix for providing such a wonderful platform for the film to reach audiences across countries.”
As the film continues to travel across borders, its success signals more than just a hit. It marks a shift, where local stories, told with authenticity, are no longer confined by language or geography. In the streaming wars, the South is not just rising. It is rewriting the script.
