NT BUZZ
The third edition of the WAVES International Short Film Festival (Goa-India 3.0) has received 632 entries from across the globe, underlining the festival’s rising international appeal.
At a press conference held in Panaji, festival director Amol Ajgaonkar highlighted that the scale and diversity of submissions mark a significant milestone for the platform.
The 60 Hours Challenge, an integral part of WAVES International Short Film Festival 3.0, now in its fifth edition, requires participants to conceptualise and complete an entire short film within 60 hours — from writing and casting to shooting, editing, and final submission. This year saw registrations from 50 teams, of which 42 completed and submitted their films.
The press conference featured a panel of jury members including Gurpal Singh, Ashok Rane, and Sharmad Raiturkar, along with Goa-based international filmmaker Grant Davis. Co-organiser Rajaram Gopal Turi was also present.
Film critic and founder-director of the Indian Film Academy Rane, reflected on the steady rise of film festivals across India over the past. Raiturkar highlighted the evolving nature of filmmaking, pointing to the growing quality of short films and the increasing use of new technologies, including AI-based tools and digital formats and encouraged creators to take initiative and begin creating without hesitation.
Singh underscored the role of short films as a gateway into the larger world of cinema, noting that impactful storytelling in short formats often inspires individuals to explore filmmaking more seriously. Davis spoke about the diversity and originality of the submissions, stating that filmmakers today are able to create compelling narratives even with limited resources. WAVES 3.0 is scheduled to be held from May 7 to 10 in Goa.
