A Celebration of Cinematic Waves
The Waves International Short Film Festival 2.0 (WISFF),
held from January 17th to 19th, 2025, in the picturesque city of Panaji, Goa, at the state-of-the-art Entertainment Society of Goa, has once again proven to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and cinematic excellence. Organized by Shree Mudra and powered by the Department of Information and Publicity – Government of Goa, this year's festival showcased an impressive lineup of films, engaging discussions, and an array of activities that captivated filmmakers and audiences alike.
A SHOWCASE OF TALENT
This year, WISFF received an impressive 214 film submissions from around the globe, with 93 films selected for screening over the three-day event. The festival featured a diverse array of genres, including short films, music videos, animated shorts, student films, documentaries, and entries from the 60 Hours Film Making Challenge 4.0.
This unique competition challenged filmmakers to create a complete film within just 60 hours, fostering innovation and creativity under tight deadlines. Out of the 23 teams that participated in the challenge, 18 successfully completed their projects on time. Recognizing the passion and hard work of those teams that could not finish within the allotted time frame, we provided them with an opportunity to enter their films into an open category challenge.
WISFF 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
An Enthralling Gathering of Filmmakers
The festival attracted filmmakers from across India who attended to showcase their films alongside friends and family. Many attendees were mesmerized by the overall organization and aesthetic appeal of the festival. The quality of film projection received particular praise; numerous filmmakers noted that WISFF exuded a positive vibe that set it apart from other festivals they had attended. This welcoming atmosphere fostered a sense of community among participants, enhancing networking opportunities and creative exchanges.
Among the highlights was the grand closing ceremony hosted by renowned celebrity TV and film artist Karishma Tanna. Attendees were treated to a formal function followed by an awards ceremony where 36 awards were presented across various categories. These included accolades for short films, documentaries, music videos, animated shorts, films directed by women directors, and more.
OUR JURY | MENTORS & GUESTS
FILMS THAT MADE WAVES at WISFF 2.0
WISFF 2.0
Waves International Short Film Festival 2.0 has once again proven itself as a premier event that not only showcases outstanding films but also nurtures talent and fosters community engagement. We look forward to seeing how these experiences will inspire new stories and innovations in filmmaking in the years to come. This report encapsulates key aspects of WISFF 2.0 while highlighting its impact on filmmakers and the local community!