The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, will provide a prestigious platform for India’s emerging creative talents.
Among the 42 finalists selected from across the country for the Animation Filmmaker Competition at WAVES, two young talents from Odisha, Bhagyashree Satpathy of Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty of Bhubaneswar, have made their mark.
Bhagyashree Satpathy, a 22-year-old filmmaker and animation artist from Dharmasala, Jajpur, is currently studying at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad. Deeply inspired by Indian mythology and regional folklore, her work reimagines traditional narratives with contemporary themes and a bold visual style.
Her finalist project, “Pasa,” is a concept series that blends mythology with psychological drama, exploring themes of manipulation, gender, and control. Bhagyashree has previously directed notable works, such as “Happy Birthday Tara” and a documentary film on Maa Kalijai of Chilika Lake, Odisha.
Joining her is fellow NID Ahmedabad student Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, who has earned his spot in the finals with his animation documentary titled “Khatti.” His work showcases a profound understanding of storytelling and visual narrative, emphasizing the potential of animation as a medium for authentic and engaging documentation.
At WAVES 2025, the finalists will pitch their projects before an esteemed panel of international judges and prominent figures from the global entertainment industry. The competition presents a significant opportunity, as the top three winners will each receive a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. Furthermore, the event highlights the immense economic potential of India’s animation and VFX industry, where a single animated feature film can create jobs for 100 to 300 professionals.
WAVES 2025 not only seeks to celebrate India’s creative talents but also aims to encourage international collaborations and promote India as a global hub for animation and entertainment.
With their unique storytelling styles and innovative concepts, Bhagyashree Satpathy and Rishav Mohanty are poised to make Odisha proud on the national stage.
