STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In a proud moment for Assam and the Northeast, visual storyteller Hirak Jyoti Nath has been named among the 42 finalists of the prestigious Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) at the upcoming World Audio-Visual and Entertainment (WAVES) Summit 2025. His animated short film Tales from the Tea House has secured a spot among the top 18 short films selected from across the country.
Curated by Dancing Atoms Studios in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the AFC is part of the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ and received an overwhelming number of submissions in traditional animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production categories. Following a rigorous nine-month selection process, 42 projects — including 12 feature films, 18 short films, 9 TV/limited series, and 3 AR/VR experiences — were chosen to be showcased at the WAVE Summit, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Hirak Jyoti Nath’s Tales from the Tea House offers a poignant narrative set in Assam’s iconic 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,” said Hirak. The film is visually distinguished by its watercolour-inspired animation and deeply emotional storytelling rooted in Indian culture.
Joining Hirak among the finalists is Khambor Batei Kharjana from Meghalaya, marking a breakthrough for the animation community in Northeast India. Commenting on the achievement, Sanjib Parashar, lecturer in cinematography at Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film & Television Institute, said, “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.”
Hirak’s inclusion in the WAVE Summit not only underscores his creative excellence but also signals the Northeast’s emerging presence in India’s animation landscape. The summit will provide him with a platform to engage with global industry leaders, opening new avenues for collaboration and storytelling on an international stage.
Also Read: Animated film Coco 2 in development at Disney and Pixar studios
Also Watch: