The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has announced the WAVES India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge, encouraging drone pilots and filmmakers to showcase the captivating beauty and diversity of India through aerial cinematography. This initiative is part of the Create in India challenges, with the event organized by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. As of 15th February 2025, the challenge has already attracted 956 registrations.
The WAVES Challenge aims to capture India from the skies, inviting participants to create 2-3 minute videos that highlight the nation’s landscapes, heritage, and vibrant life. This initiative is a prelude to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) set to take place from 1st to 4th May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre and Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. WAVES, in its first edition, is designed to bring together the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector on a global platform, connecting the international industry with India’s vast talent pool.
Structured around four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films—the WAVES summit aims to foster creativity and innovation in the M&E sector. The India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge falls under the Broadcasting & Infotainment pillar, focusing on the evolution of media, information dissemination, and entertainment.
The Create in India Challenges have seen over 73,000 registrations, engaging creators worldwide and reinforcing India’s role as a media and entertainment hub. Participants in the Bird’s Eye View Challenge include open categories for video editors, professional drone pilots, filmmakers, teams, students, and individuals, as well as beneficiaries of the Drone Didi Scheme of the Government of India.
The suggested themes for the challenge range from showcasing India’s rich heritage and diverse cultures to highlighting innovative initiatives and the use of drones for social work. The top 10 videos from each category will be shortlisted based on quality and content, with a distinguished jury conducting the final evaluation. Winners will be felicitated at the WAVES 2025 summit in Mumbai.
The deadline for submissions in the Namo Drone Didi category is 15th March 2025. Participants are required to produce original, high-definition videos with compelling voice-overs and musical scores. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting/WAVES retains the copyright of the work developed during the competition.
The WAVES India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge provides a unique opportunity for drone pilots and filmmakers to showcase India’s breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and modern advancements. This challenge promises to be a celebration of creativity and artistic excellence, reinforcing India’s position as a global hub for media, technology, and innovation.
