Goa Applauds as Ms. Jaewon Kim Delivers Soulful Vande Mataram

#IFFIWood, 20 November 2025

At the inaugural ceremony of the WAVES Film Bazaar in Goa, the audience was treated to an unexpected and heart-warming moment when Guest of Honour Ms. Jaewon Kim, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, took the stage for a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram.

As the nation marks the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, her heartfelt performance added a deeply meaningful note to the festivities. The hall rose in a warm standing ovation, moved by the grace and sincerity with which she honoured India’s cultural heritage.

During the event, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan applauded Ms. Kim for the gesture, praising her not only for the rendition but for singing the full version. Ms. Kim’s rendition symbolised the spirit of friendship and cultural harmony that events like the WAVES Film Bazaar strive to nurture. She also treated the gathering to a Korean song, enriching the event with a warm cross-cultural exchange.

In a gathering filled with filmmakers, creators, delegates, and storytellers from across the world, Ms. Kim’s moving performance stood out as a gentle reminder of how art and emotion flow effortlessly across borders.

About WAVES Film Bazaar

Formerly known as Film Bazaar, the initiative was launched by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in 2007 and has grown into South Asia’s most influential film market.

The Bazaar, which was inaugurated today, brings together an expansive selection of more than 300 film projects across its curated verticals, including the Screenwriters’ Lab, Market Screenings, Viewing Room library and the Co-Production Market. The Co-Production Market features 22 feature films and 5 documentaries, while the WAVES Film Bazaar Recommends section presents 22 remarkable films across multiple formats. Delegations from over seven countries and film incentive showcases from more than ten Indian states further enrich the platform.

About IFFI

Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.