India’s first international celebration of animation, VFX, gaming and comics, Animela, returns to Mumbai with screenings, premieres, artist talks and immersive showcases. This edition introduces India’s first Transmedia Stage, dedicated to sound-driven and interactive storytelling experiences
Nina Sabnani
Animela returns to Mumbai as India’s first international celebration of animation, VFX, gaming, and comics. The edition presents screenings, premieres, artist talks and behind-the-scenes sessions, alongside a gaming arena, international VR showcase and comics-led experiences. It also introduces India’s first Transmedia Stage, a dedicated platform for immersive storytelling across narratives, focusing exclusively on sound and interactive mediums.
Festival director Nina Sabnani emphasises, “The creative landscape of the country is constantly evolving, with new talent and new ways of thinking about animation, gaming and immersive media. The festival’s timing helps support the innovation while giving visibility to the voices that will shape the next decade in this field.”
The Guide's top picks
A frame from the movie The Last Blossom; (right) A still from the trailer of the film, Little Amelie. Pics Courtesy/Youtube
Animated movie screenings
A special screening accompanied by discussions of global animated films such as The Last Blossom from Japan, Dandelions Odyssey and Little Amelie from France, alongside conversations exploring these works.
ON February 22
TIME 11 am to 7 pm
Children experience Location Based Virtual Reality
LBVR Experience (Location-Based Virtual Reality)
A debut immersive VR installation in India featuring cinematic experiences inspired by Titanic and a Colosseum-themed narrative, allowing audiences to physically step into the realistic feeling in the movies respectively.
ON Today (February 21)
TIME 11 am to 8 pm
Cyril-Vincent Michaud
Innovation and Transmedia
Out-of-the-box holistic presentation for children will demonstrate how immersive media functions, with emphasis on sound and narrative techniques. The presentation and talk will be led by Cyril-Vincent Michaud, and the session will introduce young participants to storytelling across books, videos and images.
ON Today (February 21)
TIME 1 pm onwards (slots may vary)
Gond artwork by Venkat Shyam. Pics courtesy/Animela
Jharokha presentation
A unique show featuring Gond folk artwork and a VR presentation based on The Dancing Forest by Nina Sabnani and Venkat Shyam, bringing Gond traditions to life through immersive storytelling inspired by Adivasi heritage.
ON February 21 and 22
TIME 11 am to 6 pm
ON TILL February 22; 11 am to 8 pm
AT Whistling Woods International, Film City, Goregaon.
LOG ON TO @animelaindia
ENTRY Rs 1200 onwards (festival entry fees)
Voice your talent
As part of the International MIFA Campus (IMC), emerging animators will get a chance to present their projects before a panel of industry professionals. The selected winner will get an opportunity to develop their film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, with festival director Mickael Marin in attendance.
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