WAVES Animation Film-makers’ Challenge Highlights 42 Exceptional Works
The Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC), part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season-1’ at the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025, has unveiled its 42 finalists. Organized by Dancing Atoms Studios in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, this national-level competition aims to showcase innovative animation projects. The selected works will be featured at the WAVE Summit in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025, providing a platform for creators to connect with industry professionals and foster collaborations.
Finalists Showcase Diverse Animation Projects
The 42 projects selected for the AFC represent a culmination of a rigorous nine-month evaluation process. These finalists exhibit a strong emphasis on original storytelling across various animation styles, including traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual production. The comprehensive creative catalogue highlights a variety of innovative works, comprising 12 feature films, 18 short films, nine TV series, and three AR/VR experiences. This initiative not only celebrates creativity but also aims to bridge the gap between talented creators and industry stakeholders, facilitating potential partnerships that extend beyond geographical limits.
Spotlight on Short Films and Feature Films
Among the 18 shortlisted short animation films, notable projects include “Vani” by Shreya Sachdev, “Odiyan” by Shrikant S Menon, and “Best Friends” by Prasanth Kumar Nagadasi. Other remarkable entries feature “MELTING SHAME” by Shweta Subhash Marathe and “Achappam” by Anika Rajesh. Each of these films showcases unique narratives and artistic styles, reflecting the diverse talent present in the animation community.
In the feature film category, 12 projects have been selected, including “Fly!” by Catharina Dian Wiraswati S and “Mahzun” by Shubham Tomar. Other finalists include “Rudhra” by Srikanth Bhogi and “BABAR AUR BANNO – A friendship saga” by Anirban Majumder. These films promise to deliver engaging stories and innovative animation techniques, further enriching the landscape of animated cinema.
Television Series and AR/VR Experiences
The competition also highlights nine shortlisted animation TV and limited series. Projects like “Jackie & Jilal” by Jyothi Kalyan Sura and “Chupi: Silence behind laws” by Tuhin Chanda stand out for their compelling narratives. Other notable series include “Age of the Deccan: The Legend of Malik Ambar” by Kishore Kumar Kedari and “Pฤลa” by Bhagyashree Satapathy. These series aim to captivate audiences with their storytelling and animation quality.
Additionally, three AR/VR experiences have been recognized, including “Ashvamedha – The Unsealed Fate” by Sundar Mahalingam and “Liminalism” by Anuj Kumar Choudhary. These projects reflect the growing importance of immersive technologies in storytelling, showcasing the potential of AR and VR in the animation industry.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Saraswathi Buyyala, Founder and CEO of Dancing Atoms Studios, emphasized the significance of this initiative in showcasing the talent discovered through the competition. The Waves Advisory Board, composed of industry veterans, will evaluate these projects and guide them toward production and distribution. The animation industry has shown remarkable growth, with the global market generating substantial revenue across various segments. In 2024, short films contributed approximately $20 billion, while feature films generated around $30 billion to $32.3 billion at the global box office. The AR/VR sector is also expanding rapidly, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years.
The WAVE Summit aims to position India as a hub for content creation and technological innovation in the media and entertainment sector. With a focus on various industries, including animation, gaming, and digital media, the summit offers a platform for professionals to connect and collaborate, further enhancing the creative landscape.
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