15th June 2023, Mumbai: India’s animation, visual effects, and gaming industries took center stage at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival (AIAF) as an Indian delegation, led by the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, showcased India’s expertise in producing high-quality animation and VFX content for global audiences.
Apurva Chandra, the Secretary of Information and Broadcasting and head of the Indian delegation, emphasized the remarkable progress of India’s animation, gaming, visual effects, and comics (AVGC) sector. In an interview during India’s first-ever attendance at the festival, Chandra stated, “The AVGC sector in India is advancing rapidly, thanks to state-of-the-art techniques, cutting-edge technologies, and a pool of exceptionally talented professionals. India stands out as one of the few countries that offer financial incentives to foreign businesses for producing AVGC content within its borders.”
Chandra seized the opportunity to engage with AIAF director Michael Marin to explore avenues for increasing India’s presence in Annecy and discussed the possibility of collaborating with France to host an animation film festival in India. These discussions aimed to strengthen India’s position as a global animation hub and foster international partnerships within the industry.
The India Pavilion, designed on the Saraswati Yantra motif, was inaugurated by Chandra, providing a platform for Indian artists to showcase their talent. Notable figures from the indian animation sector, including Arvind Jeena, Nikita Prabhudesai Jeena, Upamanyu Bhattacharyya, Kalp Sanghvi, Saraswati Vani Balgum, Kireet Khurana, Biren Ghosh, Anil Wanvari, and Anne Doshi, were present at the festival, representing India’s vibrant creative community.
Furthermore, discussions centered around the various ministerial initiatives supporting the AVGC industry in India, highlighting the government’s commitment to facilitating pre- and post-production operations and providing incentives to boost the sector’s growth.
India has emerged as a preferred destination for international production companies seeking VFX and animation content. Estimates suggest that the Indian animation and VFX market was valued at US$109 billion in 2021, with the VFX industry alone accounting for US$50 billion. With India’s active participation in the Annecy Festival, industry experts anticipate the market to reach 180 billion by 2024, further propelling its growth and attracting more international consumers.
In summary, India’s impressive display of AVGC expertise at the Annecy International Animation Festival, coupled with discussions on hosting an international animation festival in India, underscores the nation’s commitment to promoting the industry and strengthening global collaborations. With the AVGC sector’s favorable incentives and rapid growth, India continues to solidify its position as a key player in the global animation and VFX market.
-by Kashvi Gala