Stories That Touch Hearts Across the World” – Special Panel Discussion Global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling Sparked at WAVES 2025

 Stories That Touch Hearts Across the World” – Special Panel Discussion

Global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling Sparked at WAVES 2025

Broadcasting, Cinema, and Literature Converge at WAVES 2025

 

Mumbai, May 3 – At the inaugural WAVES 2025 Summit, a special session titled “Stories That Touch Hearts Across the World” brought together voices from diverse sectors to discuss the evolution and power of storytelling. The panel featured Caitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society; Justin Warbrooke, EVP and Head of Corporate Development at The Walt Disney Company; Kelly Day, VP of International at Amazon Prime Video; Phil Hardman, EVP and Managing Director for Asia at BBC Studios; acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani; and bestselling author and political analyst Anish Tripathi. The discussion was moderated by a host.

 

This session united visionary leaders and accomplished storytellers from the global media, entertainment, and literary industries to explore the changing dynamics of storytelling. Renowned speakers from broadcasting platforms, film, and literature shared insights on how compelling stories transcend borders, shape culture, and connect people across the globe.

 

The discussion focused on the strategic, creative, and emotional forces that drive global storytelling and how these elements deeply influence perspectives, cultures, and societal transformation.

 

Caitlin Yarnall (National Geographic) offered a strategic vision for crafting powerful stories woven with science, discovery, and visual storytelling to captivate global audiences. She emphasized the importance of truth and excellence in storytelling and spoke about both the challenges and opportunities in creating content that feels truly authentic to audiences.

 

Justin Warbrooke (Walt Disney) highlighted the Indian market as a top priority, calling it the world’s most populous and rapidly expanding media and entertainment market. He also spoke about Disney’s collaborations with Indian entities, emphasizing how such partnerships foster cultural exchange and bring global audiences closer through storytelling.

 

Kelly Day (Amazon Prime Video) shared thoughts on content strategy and global expansion, stressing how the platform brings diverse, locally rooted stories to audiences across continents. She underlined that success lies in identifying strong stories, understanding local audience preferences, and choosing the right formats and styles that resonate both domestically and internationally.

 

Phil Hardman (BBC Studios Asia) spoke about leading the distribution of select British content tailored for Asian audiences. Emphasizing the sustainable power of quality content, he reiterated BBC’s core mission of educating and informing, noting the importance of delivering meaningful stories aligned with that goal.

 

India’s renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani remarked that storytelling is inherently personal, and its impact varies from person to person. He expressed optimism about artificial intelligence, calling it a valuable tool that can enhance creativity and narrative styles.

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