The 16th edition of Film Bazaar concluded with Bangladeshi feature Agantuk being named the winner of the Prasad DI award.

Titled The Stranger in English, the Biplob Sarkar-directed movie was screened in the Viewing Room section, which presents Indian and South Asian films looking for film festivals, world sales, distribution partners and finishing funds.

Film Bazaar, dedicated to discovering, supporting and showcasing South Asian content, was held from November 20 to 24 on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

From the Work in Progress (WIP) Lab, two films — Mithya (Kannada) and Bahadur (Nepali, Kumaoni and Hindi) — won the Prasad Post-production and Moviebuff Appreciation Awards, respectively.

Two short movies, Perianayaki by Bala Murali Shingade and Priyo Ami by Suchana Saha, received the Film Bazaar Recommends prizes.

The French Institute Award given by the French embassy was given to Kissa - E - Circus by Savita Singh. The project was showcased in the co-production market.

Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said Film Bazaar serves as a crucial link in the chain of global filmmaking industry and India’s ‘creative economy’. “In essence, it is the converging point for film buyers and sellers from all over the world with a focus on discovering, supporting and showcasing South Asian content and talent in filmmaking, production and distribution.”

“It offers filmmakers a unique platform to introduce their work and discuss in depth the topics depicted in their films,” the minister said.

National Film Development Corporation managing director Ravinder Bhakar said the 16th edition of Film Bazaar was a stupendous success as it saw a footfall of 1400 registered delegates. “In alignment with global markets, this year’s Film Bazaar expanded its scope by including country, state and industry stakeholder pavilions. Adding to the dynamic line up of programmes conducted at Film Bazaar a new Program namely Book to Box Office was introduced.”

“Given the launch of incentives for International productions and official co-productions we saw the Spanish Film Commission and the British Film Institute initiate a dialogue with Indian Filmmakers for greater collaborations between our countries,” said Ravinder, who is also the director of IFFI.