Guwahati: Assam’s visual storyteller Hirak Jyoti Nath’s ‘Tales from the Tea House’ has secured a spot among the top 18 animated short films in the prestigious Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) for the upcoming World Audio-Visual and Entertainment (WAVES) Summit 2025.
Curated by Dancing Atoms Studios in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the AFC received an overwhelming number of entries in traditional animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production categories.
After a rigorous nine-month selection process, the best 42 projects — including 12 feature films, 18 short films, 9 TV/limited series, and 3 AR/VR experiences — will be showcased during the WAVE Summit in Mumbai from May 1–4, 2025.
The entries were judged by a panel of acclaimed national and international jurors.
“The short film ‘Tales From the Tea House’ is a story from the heart of Assam’s age-old tea gardens. It is a simple story about sharing tea and the conversations that unfold around it,” Hirak said.
“Through a cup of tea and a familiar place, I have tried to show how small, quiet moments can have a big impact on people’s lives, he added.
The film is visually distinguished by its watercolour-inspired animation and deeply emotional storytelling rooted in Indian culture.
The 15-minute short film is a poignant animated short set in a cosy tearoom, where generations of characters connect, reflect, and rediscover themselves over cups of tea.
“This recognition is a pivotal moment not only for the artists themselves but also for the animation filmmaking industry in the Northeast,” says Sanjib Parashar, Lecturer in Cinematography at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film & Television Institute, Assam.
“We have a reservoir of untapped talent whose narratives possess local charm and universal appeal,” he added.
Over the years, he has woven together writing and visual elements in plays, short films, and various visual projects to craft impactful narratives.
ALSO READ: Cannes 2025: Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia joins as jury member
Hirak Jyoti Nath’s selection at WAVES 2025 not only underscores his creative excellence but also signals the Northeast’s emerging presence in India’s animation landscape.
Khambor Batei Kharjana from Meghalaya also secured a place among the top 42 for his project Lapalang: A Khasi Folklore Reimagined.
