It’s like shaping the future of storytelling — one Reel at a time. The WAVES 2025 Reel-making challenge, one of the many such challenges organised by the Indian government, has received 3,379 registrations from across India and 20 countries as of February 5.

The WAVES (World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit) 2025 ‘Reel Making’ Challenge is a unique competition that empowers creators and enthusiasts to showcase their storytelling skills using Meta’s tools through a concise 30-90 second film format.

Organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the challenge has received an overwhelming response globally, the government said in a statement yesterday, adding that it provides a platform for digital creators to experiment, innovate and push the boundaries of short-form content.

This challenge is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under the WAVES, which will be held from May 1-4at Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. It is a premier global platform fostering discussions, collaboration and innovation in the media & entertainment (M&E) industry.

Bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders, the summit will explore emerging opportunities, address challenges, and strengthen India’s position as a global creative hub. With over 70,000 registrations across 31 competitions, the Create in India Challenges continue to fuel creativity, talent, and international participation.

The ‘Reel Making’ Challenge, launched as a key initiative under WAVES 2025, underscores India’s emergence as a global hub for media and entertainment while reflecting the rapid growth of its digital creator economy. It aligns with the federal government’s ‘Create in India’ vision, fostering talent from across the nation and beyond.

The challenge has attracted notable international participation from countries including Afghanistan, Albania, the United States, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, UAE, Australia and Germany, among others. This global reach highlights India’s increasing influence in the creative sector and the growing appeal of WAVES as a premier platform for content creators worldwide, the government statement stressed.