Key Points for SSC, UPSC & Other Government Exams

  • Desi Oon, an Indian animated film, won the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France.
  • Created by Suresh Eriyat, it also won Best Film at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai.
  • WAVES is IndiaтАЩs premier animation platform under the Create in India Challenge.
  • The film is shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 under the Film Craft Lions category.
  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched Create in India Challenge to boost creative talent.
  • Annecy is considered the worldтАЩs most prestigious animation festival.

Desi Oon тАУ A Milestone for Indian Animation on the Global Stage

What is Desi Oon?

Desi Oon is a commissioned animated film by Indian filmmaker Suresh Eriyat that has gained international recognition in 2025. This animation piece creatively showcases Indian stories using indigenous art styles, capturing global attention.

Major Awards and Recognitions

Annecy International Animation Festival 2025

Held in France, this festival is considered the Oscars of animation. Desi Oon received the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film, a rare feat for Indian animation.

WAVES 2025, Mumbai

Desi Oon was also awarded Best Film at WAVES 2025, India’s top animation and design event under the Create in India Challenge. WAVES recognizes excellence in animation, design, and storytelling.

Cannes Lions 2025

The film has been shortlisted in the Film Craft Lions category at Cannes Lions 2025, further proving its international creative impact.


About Create in India Challenge

The Create in India Challenge, initiated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is a platform aimed at promoting Indian creativity in animation, design, and digital content.

Suresh Eriyat, the filmтАЩs director, credited his victory at WAVES 2025 as the driving force behind Indian participation at international festivals like Annecy and Cannes.


Important Facts About Mentioned Organizations and Events

Annecy International Animation Festival

  • Location: Annecy, France
  • Founded: 1960
  • Type: Annual international animation festival
  • Significance: WorldтАЩs most prestigious animation award platform

WAVES (World Audio Video Entertainment Summit)

  • Location (2025): Mumbai, India
  • Organizer: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
  • Purpose: To promote Indian talent in media and animation
  • Includes: Create in India Challenge

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)

  • Current Minister (2025): [Update accordingly]
  • Functions: Regulates broadcasting, animation, film, and advertisement sectors in India

Exam-Oriented MCQs Based on the Topic

Q1. Which Indian animated film won the Jury Award at Annecy 2025?
A) Chhota Bheem
B) Bombay Rose
C) Desi Oon
D) Mighty Little Bheem
Answer: C) Desi Oon

Q2. What is WAVES 2025 related to?
A) Nuclear Policy
B) Weather Science
C) Animation and Design
D) Maritime Security
Answer: C) Animation and Design

Q3. The ‘Create in India Challenge’ was launched by which Ministry?
A) Ministry of Culture
B) Ministry of Skill Development
C) Ministry of External Affairs
D) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Answer: D) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Q4. Where is the Annecy International Animation Festival held?
A) London
B) Geneva
C) Annecy, France
D) Rome
Answer: C) Annecy, France

Q5. In which category was Desi Oon shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025?
A) Animation Film
B) Film Craft Lions
C) Indie Animation
D) Best Documentary
Answer: B) Film Craft Lions


UPSC Prelims-Oriented Section on Organizations

Annecy (France)

  • Country: France
  • Known For: WorldтАЩs most respected animation festival
  • First Held: 1960

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)

  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Established: 1941
  • Major Divisions: Films Division, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), etc.

UPSC Mains-Style FAQs with Answer Writing Format

1: What is the significance of Desi Oon’s recognition at Annecy 2025 for India’s soft power?

Answer:
The recognition of Desi Oon at Annecy 2025 represents a major step forward in IndiaтАЩs cultural diplomacy and soft power projection. Animation, being a globally consumed medium, offers India a platform to showcase its storytelling traditions and artistic talent. This success underlines India’s emergence in the global creative economy, beyond the conventional software and IT exports.

The award serves as a benchmark for IndiaтАЩs growing capability in content creation, especially under initiatives like the Create in India Challenge. It also aligns with India’s vision of promoting indigenous content globally, providing global exposure to local art styles and themes.


2: How does the Create in India Challenge support the animation and design ecosystem in India?

Answer:
The Create in India Challenge, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is designed to identify and nurture Indian talent in animation, digital art, and design. By organizing platforms like WAVES 2025, it encourages grassroots creativity and connects Indian creators with global markets.

The challenge includes competitions, workshops, and showcases that help participants gain visibility and credibility. The global recognition of entries like Desi Oon exemplifies the success of this initiative. It fosters an ecosystem where innovation is rewarded and Indian creative narratives can thrive on international stages.


3: Evaluate the impact of international awards on India’s media and entertainment industry.

Answer:
International awards like the Annecy Jury Award and shortlisting at Cannes Lions elevate India’s position in the global creative industry. These recognitions not only validate the quality of Indian storytelling but also attract investment, collaboration, and market access for Indian creators.

Such awards contribute to nation branding and help position India as a hub for high-quality creative content. They also motivate emerging artists, foster innovation, and highlight IndiaтАЩs potential to become a global content production powerhouse. Long-term, this can boost employment and exports in the creative sector.