GUWAHATI: Assam-based visual storyteller Hirak Jyoti Nath has secured a spot among the top 18 short films in the Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) 2025. The competition is a segment of the 'Create in India Challenge – Season 1' under the upcoming World Audio-Visual and Entertainment (WAVE) Summit.
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Nath’s animated short film, Tales From the Tea House, is among 42 finalist projects selected after a nine-month review process, according to a press release on Tuesday, April 29. “Tales From the Tea House is a story rooted in the tea gardens of Assam, reflecting how everyday conversations over tea can influence lives,” said Hirak.
Notably, the film uses watercolour-inspired visuals to convey emotionally grounded narratives based on Indian culture. Hirak's selection, alongside Meghalaya's Khambor Batei Kharjana, is seen as a breakthrough for the animation industry in Northeast India. Sanjib Parashar, Lecturer at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute, called it a “pivotal moment” for regional storytellers, highlighting the area’s growing creative potential.
Curated by Dancing Atoms Studios in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the AFC received a large number of entries in traditional animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production. The final selection includes 12 feature films, 18 short films, 9 TV or limited series, and 3 AR/VR experiences. These will be presented during the WAVE Summit in Mumbai, scheduled from May 1 to 4.
