Celebrating Creativity at WAM! 2024
The Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), in partnership with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, hosted the exciting WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) in Delhi on November 30, 2024. This event took place at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and attracted a vibrant crowd. It highlighted the immense creative potential of India’s manga, anime, and webtoon creators. Building on the success of previous editions in cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Varanasi, WAM! Delhi showcased the talents of 199 participants across various categories. These included Manga, Webtoon, and Anime, along with a lively Cosplay and Voice Acting segment.
A Showcase of Talent and Creativity
WAM! Delhi was a celebration of creativity and talent. The event featured 199 participants competing in categories such as Manga, Webtoon, and Anime. The Manga category focused on traditional Japanese-style comics, while the Webtoon category highlighted digital comics. The Anime section showcased animated works inspired by Japanese culture. Additionally, the event included 28 participants in the Cosplay and Voice Acting competitions. These talented individuals brought beloved anime and gaming characters to life, captivating the audience with their creativity and skill.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including Vietnamese actress and producer Mai Thu Huyen and American-Vietnamese producer Jacqueline Thao Nguyen. Their presence added glamour to the occasion. Mr. Sushil Kumar Bhasin, President of MEAI, and Mr. Kamal Pahuja, Vice President of MEAI, also attended the event. Their support underscores the importance of nurturing creative talent in India.
Highlights of the Cosplay and Voice Acting Competitions
One of the most anticipated segments of WAM! was the Cosplay competition. Participants showcased their dedication and creativity by embodying their favorite anime and gaming characters. The costumes were elaborate, and the performances were engaging. The Voice Acting contest featured 14 skilled participants who demonstrated their talent in bringing characters to life through voice. This segment highlighted India’s growing expertise in performance arts, showcasing the depth of talent in the country.
Adding to the excitement, the event featured an exclusive sneak peek of “TRIO,” India’s first anime currently under development by Vaibhavi Studios. This preview ignited inspiration and anticipation among the audience, showcasing the potential for future projects in the Indian anime industry.
Award Ceremony and Future Aspirations
The day concluded with a grand award ceremony, where winners were honored for their outstanding achievements. Shri Anubhav Singh, OSD (BC) with charge of BC-I, II, III and NMC PA to OSD(BC), and Shri Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director of the Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council of India, presented the awards. Winners received cash prizes, pen tablets from WACOM, goodie hampers from Faber-Castell, and official merchandise from TRIO.
WAM! is more than just a competition; it is a movement aimed at inspiring and empowering India’s creative minds. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, WAM! aims to position India as a global hub for manga, anime, and webtoons. The passion and creativity displayed at the event are a testament to the bright future of India’s creator economy. Special recognition was given to Resham Talwar, India’s first mainstream voice actor with vision impairment, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
In conclusion, WAM! 2024 was a remarkable event that celebrated creativity, talent, and the vibrant art forms that captivate audiences worldwide. As part of the WAVES initiative, WAM! continues to inspire a new generation of creators, fostering innovation and elevating India’s animation, gaming, and manga sectors.
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