The finalists of the Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC) being held as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season 1’ of WAVES 2025 has been announced, with Meghalaya lad Khambor Batei Kharjana as one of the top 42.
His project Lapalang: A Khasi Folklore Reimagined was selected for the finals where the best 42 animators from around the country vie for the top prize of Rs 5 lakh.
WAVES is the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, an event for the media and entertainment (M&E) sector hosted by the central government.
Sharing his excitement, Kharjana said, “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. The door’s wide open – now it’s up to us to take that leap of faith and see where it leads!”
The best 42 projects, focusing on original storytelling across the entire spectrum of animation, encompassing traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual production have made it to the final round. These talented participants will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects during the WAVE Summit which will be held in Mumbai on May 1-4. The top three winners will each receive a cash prize of up to Rs 5 lakh.
The selection of the 42 finalists was the result of a rigorous nine-month evaluation process led by the Dancing Atoms team, in collaboration with the WAVES team, a press release stated today. “The dedicated efforts of the participants were complemented by the discerning expertise of an esteemed panel of national and international jury members,” it added.
WAVES AFC 2025 received approximately 1,900 registrations and 419 diverse entries from amateur enthusiasts, talented students and seasoned professionals worldwide. The projects represent a diverse spectrum, including 12 feature films, 9 TV series, 3 AR/VR experiences and 18 short films.
Beyond showcasing talent, the initiative has prioritised mentorship at all stages. All contestants, regardless of their final selection, benefited from masterclasses led by renowned industry leaders such as Academy Award winner Guneet Monga, acclaimed producer Shobu Yarlagadda and Saraswathi Buyyala. These sessions focused on refining pitching skills and navigating the complexities of the industry.
