The World Audio-Visual and Entertainment (WAVES) Summit 2025 has officially announced the 42 finalists of the highly anticipated Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC), part of the 'Create in India Challenge – Season 1.' Among the distinguished talents is Hirak Jyoti Nath, a visual storyteller from Assam, whose animated short film Tales From the Tea House has been shortlisted among the top 18 short films.

Curated by Dancing Atoms Studios in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the AFC received an overwhelming number of entries across traditional animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production. After a rigorous nine-month selection process, the best 42 projects — including 12 feature films, 18 short films, 9 TV/limited series, and 3 AR/VR experiences — will be showcased during the WAVE Summit in Mumbai from May 1–4, 2025.

Talking about his film, Hirak explains “Tales From the Tea House is a story from the heart of Assam’s age-old tea gardens. It is a simple story about sharing tea and the conversations that unfold around it. Through a cup of tea and a familiar place, I have tried to show how small, quiet moments can have a big impact on people’s lives.” Blending watercolor-inspired visuals with emotionally rich storytelling, Hirak’s work reflects his deep love for simple, heartfelt narratives rooted in Indian culture.

 

The selection of Hirak Jyoti Nath from Assam and Khambor Batei Kharjana from Meghalaya marks a significant moment for the animation scene in Northeast India. Speaking on the growing opportunities, Sanjib Parashar, Lecturer in Cinematography at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film & Television Institute, Assam, commented, "This recognition is a pivotal moment not only for the artists themselves but also for the animation filmmaking industry in the Northeast. We have a reservoir of untapped talent whose narratives possess both local charm and universal appeal. The Northeast is on the threshold of a creative revolution.”

At a time when the global animation market is booming—with short films alone contributing an estimated $20 billion USD in revenue and educational animation projected to hit $70 billion USD by 2032—initiatives like WAVE 2025 are crucial in spotlighting India's emerging regional talents.

Currently, Hirak is seeking funding for production, mentorship, and collaborations with buyers, distributors, and artists to bring Tales From the Tea House to full realization. His participation at the WAVE Summit offers a platform to connect with like-minded creators and industry leaders, reinforcing India's growing influence in global animation storytelling.

For more details on the WAVES 2025 Animation Filmmakers Challenge, please see: this link

Click here to view the catalogue on the 42 finalists of Animation Filmmakers Challenge.

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you're an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

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