Shillong: Khambor Batei Kharjana from Meghalaya has distinguished himself by securing a position among the top 42 finalists at the prestigious Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC) of WAVES 2025. His project, titled “Lapalang: A Khasi Folklore Reimagined,” has garnered recognition for its unique storytelling approach.
The selection process for these finalists was extensive, spanning nine months and involving a meticulous evaluation conducted by Dancing Atoms in partnership with the WAVES team. A distinguished panel of national and international experts in the animation and visual effects industries undertook the assessment of the submitted works.
Expressing his gratitude, Kharjana stated, “I thank Jesus Christ for WAVES, it has been such an amazing experience. The Master Classes from national and international experts were truly priceless. This feels like a huge step forward for animation in India.” His words highlight the value and impact of the mentorship provided during the competition.
The diverse range of selected projects demonstrates originality across various animation techniques, including traditional methods, visual effects (VFX), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and virtual production. These finalists are now preparing to present their projects at the WAVE Summit scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1st to 4th, 2025. The top three projects will be awarded substantial cash prizes, with each winner potentially receiving up to INR 5 Lakhs.
This significant competition, supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and spearheaded by Dancing Atoms, drew substantial participation, with approximately 1,900 registrations and 419 entries from amateur enthusiasts, students, and seasoned professionals from across the globe. A key aspect of the initiative has been its emphasis on mentorship, providing participants with invaluable masterclasses led by prominent industry figures, including Academy Award winner Guneet Monga.
The potential economic benefits stemming from these projects are considerable, with each animated VFX feature film holding the capacity to generate employment for 100 to 300 individuals. Saraswathi Buyyala, the founder of Dancing Atoms Studios, is actively engaged in facilitating international collaborations for the finalists’ projects through discussions with embassies from 17 different countries.
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), hosted by the Government of India, is set to convene a diverse group of industry professionals, investors, creators, and innovators in Mumbai from May 1st to 4th, 2025. The summit’s overarching goal is to establish India as a prominent global hub for content creation and technological advancements within the media and entertainment sector.
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