The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), set to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, will serve as a prestigious platform for India’s emerging creative talents. Among the 42 finalists selected from across the country for the Animation Filmmaker Competition under WAVES, two young talents from Odisha, Bhagyashree Satpathy of Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty of Bhubaneswar have made their mark.

Bhagyashree Satpathy, a 22-year-old filmmaker and animation artist from Dharmasala, Jajpur, is currently pursuing her studies at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Deeply inspired by Indian mythology and regional folklore, Bhagyashree’s work reimagines traditional narratives with contemporary themes and a bold visual language.
 

Her finalist project, "Pasa", is a concept series that blends mythology with psychological drama, exploring manipulation, gender, and control. Bhagyashree has previously directed notable works such as Happy Birthday Tara and a documentary film based on Maa Kalijai of Chilika Lake, Odisha.

Joining her is fellow NID Ahmedabad student, Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, who has earned his place in the finals with his animation documentary film titled "Khatti". His work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling and visual narrative, highlighting the potential of animation as a medium for authentic and engaging documentation.

At Waves 2025, the finalists will pitch their projects before an esteemed panel of international judges and top personalities from the global entertainment industry. The competition offers a significant opportunity: the top three winners will each receive a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. Moreover, the event underscores the immense economic potential of India’s animation and VFX industry, where a single animated feature film can generate employment for 100 to 300 professionals.

WAVES 2025 not only seeks to celebrate India’s creative talents but also aims to encourage international collaborations and promote India as a global hub for animation and entertainment.

With their unique storytelling styles and innovative concepts, Bhagyashree Satpathy and Rishav Mohanty are poised to make Odisha proud on the national stage.

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P.S/Swadhin