Indian animation gets a push at Cannes 2022

The ongoing Festival de Cannes is rather special for India’s animation industry, for the world of animated pictures will be in the limelight at multiple Marché du Film programmes, including Animation Day, giving it the much-needed impetus.

“India is emerging as a key player in the global animation industry, and the timing of this Cannes push is perfect,” says director Soumitra Ranade, who is

Singer-composer Sona Mohapatra, who has been vocal about several topics on social media, took to Twitter to talk about not being associated with brands promoted by Jacqueline Fernandez. The actor came under the Enforcement Directorate’s scanner in connection with a money laundering case worth ₹200 crore against conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Mohapatra, 45, tweeted on Monday, with a picture of beauty products bearing Fernandez’s face: “& also apparently free, expensive, unearned luxury gifts...my personal decision is to avoid any brand with a brand ambassador of this kind. Person of substance have a worthy skill set, something to admire? No? If not, please don’t sell me anything with your vacuous self #india (sic)”. headed to the French Riviera to launch his projects on May 20.

For years, the industry has strived to be at the forefront of the festival, be it through the buzz around Ghatothkach: Master of Magic or Gitanjali Rao’s short films winning big and her being on the jury for animated films in 2011. But, discussions this year will involve a broader aspect — upswing of the industry after the pandemic, ground to be gained.

“The push by the Indian government is great,” says Rajiv Chilaka, creator of the popular

Opening up about her stance on the need for brands to carefully select their faces, she says, “The idea is not to diss someone, but at the same time, to make a larger point about having better role models in society and kids of our generation not running after numbers, pretty faces, gym bodies and botox... I’d rather not make it personal, but put out a fun message in a way that kids or whoever is reading it, aspire for better things than this — earn your own luxury. Hard work is key. We can’t be idolising and give so much to such painted dolls and celebs.”

Talking about her struggle with trolls, she says, “It takes a toll on me. I want to say my piece, from my heart... Apart from that, it’s also a point for the brand world. Choose your ambassadors carefully. You are setting up role models for what is success in this world.”

We reached out to Fernandez for a comment but were met with no response.

Chhota Bheem franchise. He adds, “It is time for the world to know the Indian animation industry is on par with international studios.”

Five new startups will pitch to the audio-visual industry, and as many as 10 professionals will be a part of Animation Day. Aditi Srivastava of Pocket Aces Pictures feels the spotlight will translate to “bigger opportunities”, while Rajat Ojha from Gamitronics believes the recognition will help create a level-playing field. “Now, the responsibility is on us to show that we deserve this,” adds Ojha.

SONA MOHAPATRA,

Singer-composer

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The idea is not to diss someone... It’s about having better role models in society.

PHOTO: FAEBOOK/ ASLIJACQUELINE FERNANDEZ