GOA Beyond the Beaches: Bursary Story

In November, Film Hub member Samir Bhamir of Phizzical Productions attended the NFDC Film Bazaar International Film Festival of India, Goa with Film Hub Midlands bursary support. Samir has written a blog piece on their experience of the festival, its market place and their feelings towards cinema.

"Leaving the Film Bazaar, I felt both energised and reflective. It wasn’t just about the projects I saw or the people I met—it was about the larger picture of what cinema can achieve."

NFDC stands for National Film Development Corporation, which initiated the festival and organises it alongside the International Film Festival of India in Goa each year. This year the festival was held at the Marriott Resort, Goa between November 20 - 24, 2024.

When people think of Goa, they often imagine golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back vibe. But for me, Goa has never been about any of that. I have only ever been to Goa to step into a world brimming with cinematic possibilities. Much like Cannes’ Marché du Film, the NFDC Film Bazaar is a marketplace for filmmakers and buyers looking for South Asian films, set against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.

The Bazaar is an experience like no other. It’s a place where powerful independent films and documentaries that are being pitched, works-in-progress or completed (and ready for the next phase) can be found. The Bazaar isn’t just a creative hub; it’s also a place of business. It’s where filmmakers connect with distributors, festival curators, and potential co-producers. The energy at Film Bazaar is deeply profound as people pitch their ideas, discuss funding models, and explore distribution strategies. Everyone here wants to help complete the incredible hidden voices to realise their vision and turn their dreams into reality. 

I spend a lot of time in a dark cubed room with computers that screen these unfinished or polished films ready for the screen - they’re raw, filled with potential, and every frame feels like a glimpse into the creator’s soul.  It is here, that I have seen three different versions of the acclaimed film Lipstick Under My Burkha which we screened at the UK Asian Film Festival in Leicester. 

Sitting in those rooms, watching these films, I feel the energy of stories waiting to be told. Outside the screening room, are nervous filmmakers curious to know what I, a British South Asian film creative director think of their works, the elements I enjoyed, the bits that could be further refined, or if I want to recommend the films to the panel of film curators at UK Asian Film Festival. Several of the films we have selected over the years have ended up winning National Awards, secured distribution in cinemas and on online platforms, and led to a commission for their next film. 

Like every year, this year was no different. I always feel five days is not enough to watch over 200 films and meet and network with filmmakers and producers, take part in industry discussions and keep up with the largest film industry in the world. Actually, beyond the screenings, the real magic of the Film Bazaar happens in the conversations. It’s a huge responsibility when I watch these films because every film-maker gets an email notifying them of who has watched their film, and inevitably they track me down over breakfast, lunch, the evening drinks reception or even an impromptu chat in the corridor. Filmmakers and producers who were generous enough to share their journeys and I always try to be positive and yet brutally honest. You see, in my other hat I am a writer/theatre maker and I always ask for unadulterated feedback of my work – that’s the only way to grow and evolve – so I offer the same. 

One conversation stuck with me—a first-time director who had spent five years crafting a story inspired by their lived experience. They talked about the sacrifices they’d made to stay true to their vision. Another producer spoke about balancing the demands of nervous first-time investors while ensuring the authenticity of a project wasn’t lost. These weren’t just surface-level exchanges; they were moments of connection, filled with vulnerability and a shared understanding of what it takes to tell a story.

What’s unique about the Film Bazaar is how it centres around the storyteller. Whether it’s a debutant director or a seasoned producer, everyone is here to bring their narrative to life. Each project reflects not just creativity but also courage—courage to take risks, challenge norms, and to tell stories that might not otherwise find a platform.

As someone who believes in the power of cinema to build bridges and spark conversations, it continues to inspire me when I see how filmmakers are shaping narratives that resonate with both local and global audiences.  I can’t talk more about the films I saw and secured, for that you must come to the UK Asian Film Festival in London or Leicester in May but what I will say is that leaving the Film Bazaar, I felt both energised and reflective. It wasn’t just about the projects I saw or the people I met—it was about the larger picture of what cinema can achieve. In a world that often feels divided, these stories reminded me of our shared humanity, of the emotions and experiences that connect us all.

The NFDC Film Bazaar may be set against the picturesque backdrop of Goa, but it’s no holiday. It’s a space of hard work, hope, and endless possibility. For anyone passionate about storytelling, it’s a must-experience event that redefines what a “marketplace” can truly be.

Inspired to attend film industry events to support your work?  You can find all you need to know about applying for a bursary to attend vital events for industry progression here