Animation filmmakers contest: City's ‘Tales From the Tea House' makes WAVE recognise art
Guwahati: A young filmmaker from Guwahati,
Hirak Jyoti Nath
, has been selected as a finalist in the
Animation Filmmakers Competition
(AFC) at the World Audio Visual Entertainment (WAVE) summit in Mumbai, organised by the ministry of information and broadcasting.
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Nath's short animated film, "
Tales From the Tea House
", earned a spot among the top 18 short films chosen for showcase. Speaking about his project, Nath said, "It is a story from the heart of Assam's age-old tea gardens — a simple narrative about sharing tea and the meaningful conversations that unfold around it. Through a cup of tea and a familiar place, I've tried to depict how small, quiet moments can profoundly impact people's lives."
The film blends watercolor-inspired visuals with emotionally resonant storytelling.
He added that his film reflects his deep-rooted love for gentle, heartfelt narratives grounded in Indian culture.
The growing recognition of northeast artists on national platforms signals a transformative moment for the region's creative landscape.
"This achievement is not just a milestone for the artists but also for the northeast's animation filmmaking industry.
Our region harbours immense, untapped talent, with narratives that blend local charm and universal appeal. The northeast stands on the brink of a creative revolution," said Sanjib Parashar, lecturer at the cinematography department of Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Govt Film & Television Institute.
This year's selection also marks a milestone for the northeast region animation landscape, as with Nath, another filmmaker Khambor Batei Kharjana from Meghalaya also made the cut.
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Their presence marks a broader shift in India's animation narrative.
The AFC received an overwhelming number of submissions spanning traditional animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production. After an extensive nine-month selection process, 42 projects — including 12 feature films, 18 short films, nine TV or limited series, and three AR/VR experiences — were chosen for showcase at the WAVE summit, set to screen from May 1 to 4.
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