Bengaluru Deemed as the Creative Capital of India: Day 3 of Bengaluru GAFX 2019

The three-day Bengaluru GAFX 2019 saw a plethora of experts looking at Bengaluru as the Animation Capital of India. With labs of companies like Dreamworks, Technicolor, Zynga, MPC, Mr. X and many others investing in Bengaluru’s AVGC sector, the talents in the state and city are shown more pathways to make a mark in the industry.

Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for ITBT Department Dr. G Parameshwara said that Karnataka is one of the first states to give prominence to animation and gaming. This is an encouraging step towards creating jobs in this emerging sector, he added.

He also expressed confidence that the Centre of Excellence for AVGC will nurture small, medium as well as independent studios to produce work of global standard. “The Government of Karnataka encourages students of creative arts and creators to come forward with their IPs. This is the way forward to lead the industry.”

The one-of-a-kind global event identified and provided a global platform to talents and also attracted industry veterans, professionals, students, academia, technology partners, animation, VFX and games studios and production houses and generate jobs. Experts from all over the world including Avrill Stark, Sheila de Courcy, Pete Draper, Axel Bonami, Avneet Kaur, Munjal Shroff showcased the work of AVGC industry both nationally and globally.

Bengaluru GAFX 2019 and Secretary, ABAI, B.S. Srinivas, said, “With GAFX event, we have successfully brought together greatest minds of the AVGC industry and provided an incredible platform to students and professionals alike. GAFX has been a bridge to connect B2B and students with mentors.”

Biren Ghose, President, ABAI, applauded the enthusiasm of participants and foresaw a brilliant future for AVGC industry in Bengaluru.

Gaurav Gupta, Karnataka Principal Secretary, Dept.of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology said, “Previously we have introduced the AVGC policy under the ITBT department. This has paved the path for artist collaborations, B2B and  flourishing academia. We aim to provide support in every form to take the industry ahead.”

Valedictory Ceremony

The winners of ’GAFX Art Animathon 2019’, Asia’s biggest art and animation competition were announced at the valedictory ceremony. The premiere competition had eight categories to compete for, with a cash prize of INR 8 Lakhs+ as well as premium goodies. The winners of ‘Kalayodha-2019,’ a contest exclusively for all digital art centres across Karnataka, too were announced on the occasion.

The career expo and exhibition saw a footfall of students and professionals from all over the country and abroad. The three-day event included ‘The Sketchbook,’ attended by artists handpicked for their unique artistic personalities. On the lawns of The Lalit Ashok, visitors to Bengaluru GAFX 2019 saw these artists indulge in live sketching and clay sculpting. Artists Abhishek Kesarkar, Anand Radhakrishnan, Sanjana Desai and Saumin Suresh Patil were a few among those who filled canvases. The event also hosted talks and presentations, film screenings, panel discussions and competitions.