The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 has received an overwhelming response for its “Reel Making” challenge, with 3,379 registrations from across India and 20 countries. This enthusiastic participation underscores India’s growing influence as a global media and entertainment hub and highlights the rise of the country’s digital creator economy.
Launched as a key initiative of WAVES 2025, the challenge aligns with the Government of India’s “Create in India” vision, empowering talent across the nation and beyond. Notable international participation has come from Afghanistan, Albania, the United States, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, UAE, Australia, and Germany, among others. This global reach reflects India’s expanding creative footprint and WAVES’ growing status as a premier platform for content creators worldwide.
Domestically, entries have poured in from remote and diverse locations across India, including Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Dimapur (Nagaland), Kargil (Ladakh), Leh, Shopian (Kashmir), Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Teliamora (Tripura), Kasaragod (Kerala), and Gangtok (Sikkim). The strong response from smaller towns and emerging creative hubs showcases India’s rich storytelling traditions and the rapid evolution of its digital content ecosystem.
Participants above the age of 20 are required to create 30-60 second reels on themes such as “Viksit Bharat”, highlighting India’s technological and infrastructure advancements, and “India @ 2047”, envisioning the nation’s future growth. These themes offer creators a platform to capture India’s innovation journey through compelling visual storytelling.
The winners of the Reel Making challenge will receive exclusive opportunities, including:
- An invitation to a Meta-hosted event and a reels masterclass in 2025.
- All-expenses-paid access to WAVES 2025, where they will be honored.
- Ministry support for finalists to participate in international content creator competitions.
- Winner reels will be showcased in the prestigious WAVES Hall of Fame, on the official WAVES website, and across social media platforms.
WAVES 2025 will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore emerging trends, foster collaborations, and showcase India’s thriving creative ecosystem. With participation spanning the entire length and breadth of India and 20 other countries, the Reel Making challenge is a testament to India’s diverse storytelling talent, reinforcing its position as a powerhouse in the global media and entertainment industry.