**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announces that the Waves Film Bazaar-backed project "Fishers of Men," directed by Sanju Surendran, has been shortlisted for the 24th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF24). The selection of “Fishers of Men” at HAF24 reflects the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting's commitment to nurturing filmmaking talent through domestic platforms. The HKIFF Industry Project Market 2026 is scheduled to be held from March 17 to 19, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Shortlisting:**
* The film project "Fishers of Men" has been shortlisted for the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF24) under the HAF In-Development Projects (IDP) category.
* **Recognition and Support:**
* "Fishers of Men" was selected as a highlight of the Co-Production Market at Waves Film Bazaar 2024.
* The project secured a cash grant of USD 5,000 at Waves Film Bazaar 2024.
* **Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry Project Market 2026:**
* "Fishers of Men" will represent Indian cinematic excellence at the HKIFF Industry Project Market 2026, scheduled from March 17 to 19, 2026.
* The platform will enable the project to engage with international financiers, sales agents, and co-production partners.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Information & Broadcasting**
* **Impact:** The selection of "Fishers of Men" underscores the Ministry's commitment to nurturing filmmaking talent and facilitating international collaborations.
* **Action Required:** Continue supporting domestic platforms like Waves Film Bazaar.
**"Fishers of Men" Project Team**
* **Impact:** Gained recognition and financial support, and will have the opportunity to engage with international film industry professionals.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry Project Market 2026 and engage with potential partners.
**Indian Film Industry**
* **Impact:** Increased visibility in global film markets and the effectiveness of structured industry initiatives in supporting high-potential projects.
* **Action Required:** N/A
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: The ministry responsible for nurturing filmmaking talent.
Waves Film Bazaar: A domestic platform for nurturing filmmaking talent.
Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum: International Film Financing Forum where 'Fishers of Men' was shortlisted.
Fishers of Men: The film project shortlisted at the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum 2026.
Hong Kong: Location of the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Waves Film Bazaar Backed Project “Fishers of
Men” Shortlisted at Hong Kong–Asia Film
Financing Forum 2026
प्रव तथ: 22 JAN 2026 5:54PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 22 January 2026
Waves Film Bazaar has announced the official shortlisting of the film project Fishers of Men,
directed by Sanju Surendran, for the 24th edition of the Hong Kong–Asia Film Financing Forum
(HAF24) under the HAF In-Development Projects (IDP) category. The selection marks a
significant milestone in the project’s development journey, which gained momentum at Waves
Film Bazaar 2024.
Selected as a highlight of the Co-Production Market at Waves Film Bazaar 2024, Fishers of Men
was recognized for its strong artistic vision and commercial potential. The project secured a
cash grant of USD 5,000, reinforcing its promise and providing crucial early-stage support.
Waves Film Bazaar served as the project’s launchpad, offering mentorship and financial impetus
to bridge Indian storytelling with global cinematic markets.The project will now represent Indian cinematic excellence at the expanded Hong Kong
International Film Festival (HKIFF) Industry Project Market 2026, scheduled to be held from 17
to 19 March 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized alongside the
30th Hong Kong FILMART, the platform will enable Fishers of Men to engage with international
financiers, sales agents, and co-production partners.
The selection of “Fishers of Men” at HAF24 underscores the Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting’s continued commitment to nurturing filmmaking talent through domestic
platforms such as Waves Film Bazaar and facilitating their progression towards meaningful
international collaborations. The achievement reflects India’s growing presence in global film
markets and the effectiveness of structured industry initiatives in supporting high-potential
projects.
* * *
PIB Mumbai | Sayyid Rabeehashmi/Robin Singh/Darshana Rane
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PIBMu
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