Indian Animated Film Desi Oon Wins Jury Award at Annecy 2025

Indian animation is basking in global glory as Desi Oon, directed by acclaimed animator Suresh Eriyat, clinched the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025, the world’s most prestigious event in the animation industry. The film, rooted in Indian culture and visual storytelling, has also swept several other awards globally, positioning India as a rising force in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC-XR) sector.

Why in News?

Desi Oon won the Jury Prize at Annecy 2025, one of the highest honors in global animation. It is directed by Suresh Eriyat, a pioneer in Indian animation. The film has received numerous international accolades and is now part of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) archives. The recognition reinforces India’s emergence as a global animation powerhouse.

Key Highlights

• Annecy 2025 Jury Prize for Best Commissioned Film
• Best Film at WAVES Awards of Excellence 2025
• Top Entry in Create in India Challenge by the Ministry of I&B
• Archived at MoMA, New York (via AICP Show 2025)
• Shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 (Film Craft Lions category)

About Desi Oon

• Celebrates Indian traditions, humour, and storytelling through animation.
• Created using a frame-by-frame technique blending modern tech with cultural depth.
• Described as a “cultural milestone” by Indian officials.

Government and Industry Response

• Anubhav Singh, Ministry of I&B: “Desi Oon exemplifies our vision to grow the AVGC-XR ecosystem.”
• Sanjay Khimesara, ASIFA India: “This win belongs to all Indian animators. It’s a call to dream globally.”

Significance of the Create in India Challenge

• Featured entries from 60+ countries across 32 themes.
• Curated at Creatosphere during WAVES 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
• Aims to nurture local storytelling using world-class technology.