The Association of International Du Film D’ Animation, is a professional body, recognized by UNESCO, devoted to developing films in animation both as an art and also as an effective means of communication. ASIFA today enjoys a representation from over 55 countries, and has been operational since 2008 and has been getting very good turnouts in various community building programs.
Asifa India is the chapter of Asifa International in India and has had a successful journey of over 14 years. Asifa India recently reformulated its board. Bill Dennis continues as Chairman Emeritus; Seshaprasad A.R steps up as the President and Rama Krishna Polina steps in as Vice President. Saraswathi Balgam would continue to support the organisation as a Mentor & Advisor. The leadership is committed to continue creating exposure to the student community and provide opportunities for them to interface with Industry professionals. Asifa India will continue to conduct events, workshops & CG meet-up in INDIA. Some of the main goals would be to try and bridge the gap between the training schools & the Industry and to recognize the best animation and VFX work done in India through the Awards of Excellence. The nominated films of the awards of excellence will continue to be showcased in several international Asifa chapters and also in film festivals globally.
28 October was proclaimed as International Animation Day (IAD), commemorating the first public performance of Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique at the Grevin Museum in Paris in 1892. Each year, ASIFA groups around the world celebrate International Animation Day and ASIFA India celebrates the same in a few cities around India.
On 17 November, 2014, IAD was celebrated at Indore. There were expert sessions from representatives of some of the major studios in India. Sessions conducted included Art of Modelling by Rishikesh Nandalaskar, Dreamworks Dedicated Unit; VFX Showcase focusing on Tracking by Mr. Prince Rajasekar from Moving Picture Company (MPC) and also a session “Work in Progress – Train your eye to review” and “improve your CG asset” by Venky Ramanan, the co-founder and Art Director of Xentrix Studios. These sessions were focused on guiding students in honing their skills. Art work done by students was showcased and there were also cultural performances by few of them.
“Response was very upbeat. Students from all major animation schools of Indore & adjoining cities as well as professionals from Industry participated in IAD’14. Creative Carnival was highlighting factor. Hundreds of students participated enthusiastically in various interactive stalls. Indore Chapter Members have been jointly & actively volunteering for the growth of community and have even interfaced with Government for AVGC Policies etc,” said ASIFA Indore, Head SanjayKhimesara.
There were 600 plus students and professionals who gathered during the event, with additional 300-400 visitors and media persons also dropping by. There were creative contests including Face Paint Creative Mask, Rangoli Contest. Various Students from supporter animation schools were selected as winners of creative contests by Asifa India Vice President Ramakrishna Polina, who handed the trophies to the winners.
The event had something more to it. More than ten stalls were displayed at the Jall Auditorium like Clean India stall, Console Games, Clay Model, Quelling, Tattoo Making, Angry Bird theme Games etc.