Keeping up with India’s thriving animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and XR industries, the Society of AVGC-XR Institutions in Kerala (SAIK) has partnered with AniMela and Animation Masters Summit (AMS) to host an international AVGC XR festival in Kerala. Scheduled for March 6-9, the AniMela-AMS Festival 2025 will merge the highlights of these two renowned events, offering a unique and unparalleled experience for professionals and enthusiasts in the sector.
The event will take place in Thiruvananthapuram and feature a strategic partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (France), one of the world’s leading animation festivals. This collaboration will bring some of the biggest names in animation, VFX and immersive media to Kerala, offering a unique opportunity for international talent to engage with India’s vibrant animation community.
AniMela, which has been conducted annually by Aniverse and Visual Arts Foundation (AVAF), has become a significant event for the Indian animation and gaming community since it’s launch two years back. Animation Masters Summit (AMS), which has been held every year since 1999 by Toonz Media Group, is one of the most prestigious platforms for animation professionals, attracting top talent from across the globe. This collaboration will create a comprehensive festival experience that will offer global insights, innovation, and collaboration opportunities for India’s burgeoning creative sector.
“This collaboration with AniMela, Animation Masters Summit and Annecy represents a momentous step forward for the AVGC and XR sectors in India,” said P. Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz and President of SAIK. “By joining forces, we aim to create an event that not only highlights the latest developments in animation and immersive media but also provides a unique space for professionals and students to engage with world-class content and technologies. The involvement of Annecy further strengthens the festival’s position as a global platform for creativity and collaboration.”
Mickael Marin, Festival Director for Annecy, added, “Annecy is proud to support the second edition of this ambitious festival, marking a new chapter with its move to Thiruvananthapuram. This partnership reflects our commitment to connecting the global animation community with the talents and the animation film industry in India. We warmly thank the AniMela team and all the partners who have made this project possible.”
The Society of AVGC Institutes in Kerala (SAIK) is actively involved in organizing the festival, ensuring the presence of key policymakers and industry leaders. The three-day festival is expected to draw around 8,000 attendees, offering a comprehensive program that includes knowledge centers, experiential zones, film screenings, and extensive professional networking opportunities. The event will provide valuable exposure to international content, while offering students and animators the chance to explore emerging technologies and trends.
“India’s AVGC-XR never stops surprising us with its incredible wave of young talent. It is a great honour to team up with the Animation Master Summit and SAIK to offer them opportunities like the International MIFA Campus and the global stage they deserve. We are thrilled to be in Kerala, the land of art and inspiration, where we aim to make AniMela-AMS a true destination festival that celebrates the future of our industry,” said Anne Doshi, Artistic Director, AniMela.
AniMela AMS Festival 2025 aims to set the stage for the future of the AVGC and XR industries in India, as well as strengthen Kerala’s position as a hub for creative innovation.
