Two Odia Talents to Shine at WAVES 2025 Animation Film Competition Finals

Bhubaneswar : WAVES 2025, the prestigious World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, is set to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, providing a platform for India’s emerging creative talent in animation. Among the 42 finalists selected from across the country for the Animation Filmmaker Competition, two young and promising talents from Odisha have made their mark – Bhagyashree Satpathy from Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar.

Bhagyashree Satpathy, a 22-year-old filmmaker and animation artist from Dharmasala, Jajpur, is currently studying at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Inspired by Indian mythology and regional folklore, Bhagyashree’s work blends traditional narratives with contemporary themes, using a bold visual language. Her finalist project, Pasa, is a concept series that explores themes of manipulation, gender, and control, blending mythology with psychological drama. Bhagyashree has also directed notable works like Happy Birthday Tara and a documentary film focused on Maa Kalijai of Chilika Lake in Odisha.

Joining her in the finals is Rishav Mohanty, also a student at NID Ahmedabad and hailing from Bhubaneswar. Rishav’s animation documentary film, Khatti, has earned him a spot among the finalists. His work showcases a deep understanding of storytelling and visual narrative, using animation as a medium to create an authentic and engaging documentary.

The WAVES 2025 finals will provide an opportunity for these young talents to pitch their projects before an esteemed panel of international judges and industry leaders. The competition offers significant rewards, with the top three winners set to receive a cash prize of ₹5 lakh each. WAVES 2025 also highlights the economic potential of India’s animation and VFX industry, where a single animated feature film can generate employment for 100 to 300 professionals.

The summit aims to celebrate India’s creative talent and foster international collaborations, positioning India as a global hub for animation and entertainment. With their innovative concepts and unique storytelling approaches, Bhagyashree Satpathy and Rishav Mohanty are set to represent Odisha proudly at this esteemed event.