Mumbai will once again take centre stage in India’s fast-evolving animation and immersive media landscape as AniMela 2026, an international festival dedicated to animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and extended reality (AVGC-XR), returns from 20 to 22 February 2026. The festival will be hosted at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) premises in the city.
Positioned as a cross-disciplinary platform for creators, professionals and audiences alike, AniMela 2026 is being shaped by an international advisory board representing both Indian and global creative ecosystems. The advisory leadership includes Mickaël Marin of Annecy Festival and MIFA, Munjal Shroff of Graphiti Studio, Arjun Madhavan of Assemblage, executive producer Ashima Avasthi Chaudhuri, Aneta Ozorek of Kaboom Film Festival, and filmmaker Kiran Rao.
The four-day programme will feature film screenings and premieres, artist talks, behind-the-scenes sessions exploring animation and VFX production, a dedicated gaming arena, an international VR showcase, a comics programme, and industry-led sessions focused on professional exchange and skill development. A new addition this year is the Transmedia Stage, which will spotlight discussions on world-building across film, games, sound and interactive formats.
Speaking about the curatorial direction of the festival, Festival Director Nina Sabnani said, “India’s creative landscape is evolving fast, with new talent and new ways of thinking in animation, gaming, and immersive media. AniMela arrives at the right moment to help guide this shift by supporting innovation and giving visibility to the voices that will shape the next decade.”
Joining the advisory board this year, filmmaker Kiran Rao highlighted the importance of the platform, saying, “As someone who deeply believes in the power of radical imagination and technology to expand how we tell stories, it is an honour to be part of AniMela’s journey at such a pivotal moment for the creative ecosystem. I am excited to support the festival as it expands its footprint, empowers new voices, and champions a future where Indian creators stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world.”
Underlining the festival’s institutional relevance, Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, said, “For decades, NFDC has supported filmmakers and cinematic voices that shape India’s cultural future. AniMela is a natural partner in this journey; bringing together storytelling, technology, and new generations of creators on a truly global stage.”
Among the immersive projects scheduled for preview is Jharokha One: The Dancing Forest, a location-based VR experience inspired by an Adivasi song from Telangana and developed using the Gond visual tradition. The project forms part of AniMela 2026’s expanded immersive media programming.
The festival’s long-term vision is reflected in its new two-year partnerships with the French Institute in India, NFDC, and the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT). These collaborations will focus on education, training, industry dialogue and innovation within the AVGC-XR ecosystem, led by Anita Karnik, Head of Corporate Alliances.
Commenting on the international collaboration, Mathieu Béjot, Attaché for Audiovisual, Cinema & Digital Content at the French Institute in India, said, “The French Institute in India has been a proud partner of Animela since day one. It is now embarking on an ambitious two-year plan of action covering all the facets of the AVGC-XR sector. Under the name Desibel – Indian Talents, French Vibes, the project aims to support the emergence of more Indian original IPs and to foster relationships between our two countries. Animela is a key stakeholder in the project along with its trusted partners such NFDC and Annecy.”
Reinforcing the industry-building focus of the partnership, Gautam Bhanot, General Manager, NFDC, said, “AniMela represents the kind of forward-looking platform the Indian creative industry needs today. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to opening international pathways, fostering collaboration, and positioning Indian creative talent within global networks.”
Additional voices from the advisory and founding team further highlighted the festival’s inclusive and future-facing ethos. Munjal Shroff, Director and CEO, Graphiti Studio, said, “Animela is where the art, the artist, and the artistry of animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR, and transmedia storytelling come together. And this year, we open our doors even wider—to celebrate the fans whose imagination keeps these universes buzzing with life and excitement. I’m delighted to serve on the Animela Advisory Board and to help make this festival a truly grand experience for everyone.”
Artistic Director and Co-founder Anne Doshi added, “At AniMela, we celebrate not just skill and polish, but curiosity, risk, chaos, courage and the need to create simply because you must. That is the kind of creative energy we want to protect and amplify.”
Co-founder and Event Director Archana Trasy summed up the festival’s intent, saying, “AniMela connects animation with gaming, filmmaking with technology, studios with students and ideas with opportunities. It’s not just a showcase. It is where bridges are built and the future of Indian AVGC-XR starts to take shape.”
AniMela 2026 will be open to creators and innovators, students, industry professionals, and the general public, positioning Mumbai as a key hub for global conversations around animation, gaming and immersive storytelling.
