The WAVES Awards of Excellence, a prestigious competition hosted by ASIFA India and supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is set to honor outstanding showreels and AdFilms created by professionals and students in animation, VFX, gaming, and related fields.
This year’s WAVES season 1 encourages participants to showcase their innovative ideas that embody creativity and excellence within India’s entertainment industry.
WAVES Summit Overview
The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) is poised to become a unique hub for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event, scheduled to take place from May 1-4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, will feature four key pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics – Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films. WAVES aims to connect the global M&E industry with India’s M&E sector, spotlighting the country’s talent and creativity.
Key Highlights of the Awards of Excellence
A key component of the AVGC-XR pillar, the Awards of Excellence challenge has attracted 1,276 participants, reflecting the widespread interest and talent in the AVGC-XR sectors.
Guidelines and Categories
The competition was open to both professionals and students currently enrolled in animation, VFX, gaming, or related programs. Participants were invited to submit their best work, including animations, short films, game designs, and VFX sequences. The competition features two categories: Student Showreels and Professional Ad Films.
Important Dates
Key dates for the competition are as follows:
- Last Date of Submission: February 28, 2025
- Shortlisting: March 1-8, 2025
- Jury Review: March 9-29, 2025
- Final Results: April 1, 2025
- Outreach to Winners: April 2-5, 2025
- Award Ceremony: May 1-4, 2025
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be judged by a distinguished jury based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality (25%): Innovation in story, characters, and concept; new approaches in animation techniques or storytelling.
- Technical Proficiency (25%): Quality of animation, use of tools, and sound design.
- Storytelling and Narrative (20%): Clarity and depth of the storyline, character development, pacing, and flow.
- Artistic Design (15%): Visual style, coherence of artistic direction, and overall artistry.
- Emotional Impact (15%): Audience engagement and emotional resonance.
Prizes and Recognition
The top 20 winning projects will receive a trophy, global recognition, and exciting prizes. Winners will also enjoy complimentary transport, travel, and accommodation to attend WAVES’25 in Mumbai in May 2025. Key dates for the review and felicitation process include:
- Review: March 1-31, 2025
- Nomination Announcement: April 10, 2025
- Winner Felicitation: May 1-4, 2025 at Jio World Centre, Mumbai
The WAVES Awards of Excellence celebrates creativity and innovation in the AVGC-XR sectors, offering a global platform for both students and professionals. The competition highlights the best talent in animation, VFX, gaming, and related fields, providing winners with exciting prizes, recognition, and an opportunity to attend WAVES’25 in Mumbai.
