WAVES 2025: Global Animation Talent Shines
Mumbai is set to host WAVES 2025, a pivotal event showcasing exceptional animation talent from around the world. The Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) has advanced 78 creators to its second round, highlighting a diverse array of projects across various categories, including Animation, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Virtual Production, and Visual Effects. This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with Dancing Atoms, is part of the Create in India Challenge Season-1.
Competition Overview and Jury Selection
The Animation Filmmakers Competition aims to identify and promote innovative storytelling in animation. A distinguished jury panel, composed of industry leaders, evaluated the submissions based on originality, narrative strength, entertainment value, market appeal, audience engagement, and technical execution. Notable jury members include Jan Nagel, an entertainment marketing professional; Dan Sarto, Chief Editor and Founder of Animation World Network; Gianmarco Serra, a director and producer; acclaimed writer Indu Ramchandani; and award-winning filmmaker Vaibhav Piwlatkar. The selected creators represent a rich tapestry of backgrounds, including students, amateurs, professionals, and studios. The competition has attracted international entries from cities like London, Bali, and Canada, offering a global perspective on animation and storytelling. Among the submissions, three special mention projects have been recognized for their impactful narratives focusing on health and family education. The final pitch decks from the selected entries are due by March 20, 2025, after which a new panel of industry experts will conduct a thorough review.
Prizes and Opportunities for Winners
The top three projects in the competition will share a cash prize totaling up to ₹5 Lakh. In addition to the monetary rewards, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting will facilitate an exclusive trip to Mumbai for the winning creators. During this trip, they will have the opportunity to present their projects to a diverse audience of producers, OTT platforms, distributors, and investors from around the globe. The finalists will be announced by April 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their creative journeys.
WAVES Bazaar: A Global Marketplace for Creators
In addition to the competition, all creators are invited to showcase their projects on WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace designed to connect talented individuals with potential buyers. This platform encourages industry professionals and buyers to engage with emerging creative minds, fostering a dynamic B2B animation ecosystem. The initiative aims to build a robust network that supports collaboration and innovation within the animation industry.
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