Indian animation is receiving global recognition as Desi Oon, an animated film by acclaimed filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, clinched the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France.
This historic achievement not only highlights India’s growing strength in animation but also marks a breakthrough moment for indigenous storytelling in the global creative industry.
From Mumbai to Cannes and Annecy
Desi Oon was previously awarded Best Film at the WAVES Awards of Excellence 2025, held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, as part of the Create in India Challenge launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B).
In addition to its win at Annecy, the film has now been shortlisted at the Cannes Lions 2025 under the Film Craft Lions category. This positions the film among the world’s finest creative works in advertising and storytelling.
How the Create in India Challenge Helped
Desi Oon rose to fame through the Create in India Challenge—a special program launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to discover and support India’s best creative talents in animation, gaming, and visual storytelling.
This challenge became a launchpad for Desi Oon, giving it the platform, exposure, and recognition that helped it reach global festivals like Annecy and Cannes.
More than 60 countries participated in this initiative, with Desi Oon standing out as one of its biggest success stories.
According to the Ministry, over 750 finalists were featured during Creatosphere, a curated platform to showcase animation, design, and immersive experiences.
A Wave of International Awards for Desi Oon
Apart from Annecy and Cannes, Desi Oon has earned accolades at several global platforms:
- AICP Show Winner 2025 – The film will be archived at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), New York
- 2 Golds at Good Ads Matter 2025 – For Best Animation Film and Best Animation + CGI Integration
- 2 Blue Elephants & 1 Baby Black Elephant – At the Kyoorius Creative Awards
- D&AD Wooden Pencil Winner – For global design excellence
Suresh Eriyat, Director of Desi Oon, told Akashvani News:
“Winning at WAVES 2025 inspired the entire movement behind the Create in India Challenge.”
Shri Anubhav Singh, Ministry of I&B official overseeing the initiative, said:
“Through platforms like WAVES and Create in India, we aim to spotlight creative excellence that aligns with our vision of India as a global content creation powerhouse.”
Shri Sanjay Khimesara, President of ASIFA India, added:
“This win is not just Suresh Eriyat’s; it is India’s. Desi Oon reflects the soul of India in a frame-by-frame journey that blends humour, emotion, and artistry.”
About WAVES and ASIFA India
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WAVES (World Audio, Video and Entertainment Summit) is India’s premier platform for recognising excellence in animation, VFX, and emerging media.
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ASIFA India, a part of the global UNESCO-supported ASIFA International, works to foster creative exchange and animation education in India.
Desi Oon is not just a film—it’s a symbol of India’s creative evolution. Deeply rooted in Indian ethos, yet crafted with global appeal, it is a reminder that original, culturally grounded storytelling can resonate across continents.
Where to Watch Desi Oon
You can watch the full award-winning short film Desi Oon on YouTube:
🔗 Watch here