Kiran Rao Joins AniMela Festival Board, Shaping the Future of AVGC-XR and Boosting India’s Creative Technology Tourism Potential

Published on December 9, 2025

India’s first-ever AniMela festival, which celebrates the cutting-edge worlds of Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (XR), has gained fresh momentum with the appointment of renowned filmmaker Kiran Rao to its Board of Advisors. This landmark development positions AniMela as a pioneering force in the country’s creative technology ecosystem, potentially transforming India into a global hub for AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) innovation and creative tourism.

Launched with passion by founders Anne Doshi and Archana Trasy, and now under the leadership of Festival Director Nina Sabnani, AniMela has quickly grown into a dynamic platform for creators, technologists, storytellers, and studios from around the world. By bringing together some of the most vibrant voices in the industry, the festival serves as an incubator for emerging talent while spotlighting India’s burgeoning AVGC-XR industry on the world stage.

With Kiran Rao’s vast experience in the film industry and her deep commitment to fearless storytelling, her appointment signals the next phase of AniMela’s journey, amplifying its reach both within India and internationally. Her addition to the festival’s Board of Advisors represents a concerted effort to shape the future of storytelling in India’s creative sector, aligning with the growing global interest in immersive technologies like XR.

A Global Platform for India’s Creative Future

The intersection of animation, gaming, and extended reality with global storytelling is a powerful combination that has the potential to shape the future of tourism in India. As AniMela continues to bring together creators, artists, and innovators from across the globe, the festival is positioning India as a key player in the AVGC-XR world. The collaboration between India’s creative communities and international partners enhances the country’s reputation as a cultural and technological hub, opening new avenues for both creative tourism and industry growth.

The rapid rise of AniMela showcases how India’s thriving AVGC-XR industry is becoming an integral part of the global entertainment landscape. Through its annual gathering, the festival encourages cross-industry collaborations, from filmmakers to gamers, animators to technologists, all coming together in a way that has never been done before in India. As the festival continues to evolve, it is expected to draw tourists, investors, and creators alike, all eager to experience India’s unique blend of traditional culture and innovative technology.

Bridging the Gap: Breaking Stereotypes and Creating Opportunities

One of the most striking features of AniMela is its ability to bridge gaps between traditionally siloed creative sectors. In India, where the filmmaking and gaming industries have often operated in parallel, AniMela serves as a space where these creative forces can meet, collaborate, and innovate together. This synergy creates new opportunities for storytelling, content creation, and even new forms of artistic expression, as evidenced by the festival’s commitment to nurturing transmedia works that push the boundaries of conventional narratives.

By connecting Indian creators with global audiences, AniMela is cultivating a thriving ecosystem for art and technology that has far-reaching implications for India’s tourism industry. For international visitors, attending AniMela is not just about experiencing India’s rich cultural heritage—it’s about engaging with cutting-edge technology, seeing XR and gaming innovations, and understanding how India is transforming the way stories are told in the digital age.

The Growing Impact of AniMela’s International Reach

Since its inception, AniMela has made significant strides in bringing together international partners, including collaborations with global institutions like the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA (International Market for Animation Films). These partnerships help anchor AniMela as a global festival while allowing India’s creative community to showcase its work to a larger, international audience. With Kiran Rao now on board, AniMela’s global footprint is set to expand even further, drawing attention to India’s creative sector from all corners of the world.

This international exposure not only benefits the artists and creators involved but also boosts India’s tourism potential. As the festival garners international recognition, it is attracting tourists to India, many of whom come specifically for the AniMela experience. Whether they are visiting for the first time or returning for subsequent editions, visitors can immerse themselves in the innovative world of AVGC-XR, all while exploring India’s rich cultural heritage.

Empowering India’s Creative Economy

At its core, AniMela is about creating opportunities for Indian creators and empowering them to take their work to global platforms. By providing a space for animation, VFX, gaming, and XR creators to showcase their work, the festival is helping to cultivate a thriving creative economy in India. As a result, India’s creative-tech ecosystem is rapidly growing, with increasing investments in new technologies, more opportunities for emerging talent, and an expanding network of collaborations across various sectors.

AniMela’s focus on empowering young talent and emerging creators has also contributed to the growth of a new generation of storytellers who are reshaping the way content is created and consumed. For visitors to India, attending AniMela presents a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the future of storytelling and engage with creators at the forefront of technological innovation. As a result, the festival is enhancing India’s standing as a destination for creative tourism and innovation.

The Cultural Renaissance and Economic Benefits of AVGC-XR

As AniMela continues to grow, its significance within India’s cultural landscape is undeniable. The festival’s focus on AVGC-XR technologies brings together the best of both traditional and modern forms of creative expression, making it a unique destination for creative tourism. For international visitors, it is an opportunity to experience how Indian culture is evolving within the digital age, combining the country’s traditional art forms with the latest cutting-edge technologies in gaming and animation.

The impact of AniMela is also being felt economically. As the festival brings global creators to India, it stimulates the local economy, creating jobs, increasing tourism, and driving investment in the creative industries. From hotel stays to local businesses, transportation, and tourist attractions, the festival has a ripple effect on various sectors, further solidifying the role of creative tourism in India’s economic growth.

The Future of AniMela: A Platform for Global Creators

Looking ahead, AniMela is positioned to become one of the most important festivals on the global AVGC-XR scene. With Kiran Rao’s leadership and the continued support of influential industry figures, AniMela is ready to play an even larger role in the development of global creative industries. As the festival grows, it will continue to draw attention to India’s thriving creative community and expand the country’s global reach in the digital and creative arts.

For tourists, AniMela is not just a festival—it is a unique experience that merges technology, art, and culture, all within the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of India. As India continues to invest in its creative industries, AniMela is poised to remain at the forefront, attracting creators, technologists, and artists from around the world to India, making it a central hub for creative tourism and AVGC-XR innovation in the years to come.

Conclusion: AniMela’s Role in Shaping India’s Creative Future

Kiran Rao’s appointment to the AniMela Board of Advisors marks a significant turning point for the festival and for India’s creative industries. By positioning AniMela as a global platform for the best in animation, gaming, VFX, and XR technologies, the festival is helping to establish India as a leader in the AVGC-XR world. Its ability to attract both creators and tourists is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration, offering new opportunities for cultural exchange and growth.

As AniMela continues to grow, it is clear that the festival will not only impact India’s creative sector but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of creative tourism in the country. Through the power of storytelling, innovation, and collaboration, AniMela is building a bright future for India’s AVGC-XR industries, and in doing so, bringing the world to India to experience the magic of creative technology.