By PIB Jun 18, 2025
The Create in India Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as part of WAVES 2025, has emerged as a transformative platform to identify and elevate India’s creative talent onto the global stage. One of its standout success stories, Desi Oon, a film by celebrated animation filmmaker Shri Suresh Eriyat, has brought international acclaim to Indian animation by winning the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025, France. Widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious stage for animation, this rare and monumental win places Indian animation on the world map.
A flagship initiative aimed at fostering India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality), the Create in India Challenge drew entries from over 60 countries across 32 curated challenges, spotlighting innovative storytelling rooted in Indian culture and powered by modern technology. Over 750 finalists were showcased at Creatosphere, a specially curated platform at WAVES 2025 held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, from May 1–4, 2025.
Desi Oon, was recently crowned Best Film at the WAVES Awards of Excellence 2025, India’s leading animation and design recognition platform under the Create in India Challenge. In addition to the Annecy honour, the film has also been shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category, making it a landmark achievement for India’s animation industry.
Suresh Eriyat’s storytelling brilliance and Studio Eeksaurus' craftsmanship have also earned multiple international accolades:
- AICP Show Winner 2025 – The film will be archived at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, an honour reserved for the most impactful global works.
- 2 Golds at Good Ads Matter 2025 – Recognised for Best Animation Film and Best Animation + CGI Integration.
- 2 Blue Elephants & 1 Baby Black Elephant – At the coveted Kyoorius Creative Awards.
- D&AD Wooden Pencil Winner – Celebrated for design excellence in global advertising.
‘Desi Oon’ is more than a film, it is a cultural milestone. Rooted deeply in Indian ethos yet expressed through globally resonant animation, it is a testament to how indigenous narratives, when told with originality and technical finesse, can win hearts across continents.
Ministry of I&B Official who supervised Create in India Challenge 2025, Shri Anubhav Singh said, “The Government of India remains committed to nurturing the AVGC-XR sector. Through platforms like WAVES and initiatives like the Create in India Challenge, we aim to spotlight creative excellence that aligns with our vision of India as a global content creation powerhouse."
Shri Sanjay Khimesara, President, ASIFA India, said, "This win is not just Suresh Eriyat’s; it is India’s. Desi Oon reflects the soul of India in a frame-by-frame journey that blends humour, emotion, and artistry. It inspires a new generation of Indian creators to think big, stay rooted, and aim global."
About WAVES Awards of Excellence:
Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with ASIFA India, WAVES honours the best in Animation, VFX, Design, and Emerging Media, celebrating the diversity and potential of India’s creative landscape.
About ASIFA India:
The Indian chapter of ASIFA International, a UNESCO-supported global body, ASIFA India is dedicated to the art of animation and fosters creative exchange, capacity building, and recognition through festivals, talks, mentorships, and awards.