WAVES 2025: Indian Cinema Rises as a Global Creative Powerhouse
Mumbai, June 7, 2025 – The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 concluded today at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, firmly establishing India's leading position in the global cinema and creative industries. The four-day summit, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the theme "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries," highlighted Indian cinema's transformative impact on global narratives and intellectual property (IP) development.
A Global Platform for Indian Cinema
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, WAVES 2025 drew over 10,000 delegates, including filmmakers, digital creators, and industry leaders from 90 countries. The summit underscored Indian cinema's unique blend of storytelling, cultural heritage, and technological innovation. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India as a "content playground," encouraging creators to leverage its rich traditions to develop globally resonant IPs.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, speaking at the India Global Forum’s NXT25 session, resonated with this sentiment, stating, “We learnt everything from storytelling—from our code of conduct to our belief system.” This perspective was echoed throughout WAVES, where panels explored how Indian cinema's narrative depth can enthrall international audiences.
Driving Creative Innovation
WAVES 2025 positioned Indian cinema at the forefront of technological disruption. Discussions delved into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and generative AI, showcasing how Indian filmmakers are adopting cutting-edge tools to enhance storytelling and production quality. The summit's Creatosphere and WAVES Accelerator initiatives fostered crucial collaborations between filmmakers, startups, and global tech giants, ensuring Indian cinema remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The event also shone a spotlight on India's burgeoning gaming and esports sectors, with dedicated arenas displaying cinematic-quality game narratives developed by Indian studios. These endeavors align with the government’s $1 billion fund and the upcoming Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), both aimed at equipping creators to produce world-class content.
Globalizing Indian IP
A significant focus of WAVES 2025 was the promotion of Indian intellectual property on the global stage. The WAVES Bazaar, a year-round digital content marketplace, facilitated deals exceeding ₹1,300 crore, connecting Indian filmmakers with international distributors and investors. This platform allows Indian cinema to transcend traditional festival circuits, ensuring continuous global exposure for films and series.
The summit also addressed IP protection through initiatives like the Anti-Piracy Challenge, fostering innovations in digital content security. Policy dialogues underscored the importance of stronger IP rights and digital rights management, boosting global confidence in Indian cinema's creative exports.
Cultural Showcases and Industry Icons
WAVES celebrated Indian cinema's rich cultural tapestry with captivating performances of folk dances, martial arts, and music, reinforcing its global appeal. Industry icons such as Shah Rukh Khan and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan engaged in discussions on how Indian films can seamlessly blend tradition with modernity to captivate diverse audiences. The summit’s vision of a $50 billion media and entertainment market by 2029 underscored cinema’s pivotal role in India’s burgeoning creative economy.
A Vision for the Future
By fostering global partnerships, embracing technology, and championing IP protection, WAVES 2025 has set a bold agenda for Indian cinema. The summit’s WAVES Declaration, adopted by 77 countries, solidifies India’s leadership in the global creative revolution. As Prime Minister Modi aptly noted, “WAVES is a people’s movement that empowers every creator to be a star.”
With its unwavering focus on innovation, collaboration, and culturally rich storytelling, WAVES 2025 has not only elevated Indian cinema's creative role but has also firmly positioned it as a significant global force for years to come.
