India’s Premier AVGC Event Kicks Off, Unveiling the Intersection of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics with a Vision for Global Collaboration
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a grand inauguration ceremony attended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, the Fifth Edition of Bengaluru GAFX commenced at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bangalore. Organized by the Ministry of ITBT, Karnataka, and ABAI, this flagship event in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) sector promises to be a melting pot for knowledge exchange under the theme ‘Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC.’ As the AVGC industry converges for two days of discussions, the event aims to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government to chart the course for the future of this dynamic sector.
Distinguished Presence and Vision
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, along with a distinguished lineup of guests, including Shri Rizwan Arshad, Minister of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, and Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures and Co-founder of Infosys. The chief guest, Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlighted Karnataka’s pioneering role in the IT and IT-enabled services industries, expressing pride in leading the nation’s Media & Entertainment sector. The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to generating 30,000 jobs by 2028, targeting 80% revenue from exports, focusing on skill development, infrastructure, startup empowerment, global market access, incentives, and a ‘Mobile First’ approach.
A Vision for Karnataka’s Leadership in AVGC
Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka, reiterated the state’s commitment to becoming a global powerhouse in AVGC-XR. With a vision to create 30,000 jobs by 2028, the state plans to leverage existing strengths, establish a centre of excellence for gaming, and facilitate AVGC-XR-focused incubators. Bengaluru GAFX, as a patron of this vision, exemplifies Karnataka’s dedication to becoming a global skilling epicentre, positioning itself as the world’s leading hub for creativity and technological advancement.
Global Collaboration and Unprecedented Lineup
Shri Biren Ghose, ABAI President & Country Head, Technicolor India, highlighted the significance of Bengaluru GAFX as a platform where innovation meets opportunity, shaping the future of India’s creative narrative on a global scale. The event boasts a stellar lineup of over 200 speakers, including more than 20 renowned international speakers from 10 countries. The diverse sessions cover VFX, animation, gaming, and more, featuring industry veterans and thought leaders.
Showcasing Excellence in AVGC
Bengaluru GAFX 2024 is set to showcase the best in visual effects, animation, and gaming. The VFX segment includes presentations on Oscar-winning movies like ‘Pinocchio’ and ‘Antman & Wasp Quantamania,’ providing insights into making blockbuster visual effects. Animation presentations include showcases from Oscar-nominated movies like ‘Nimona’ and insights into delivering spectacular animated features from India. The gaming landscape will be explored by industry leaders, addressing strategies for staying relevant and resilient in the Indian gaming startup ecosystem.
B2B Forum and Future Talent Development
The Bengaluru GAFX B2B Forum serves as a distinctive platform connecting IP owners, developers, content creators, and production houses, facilitating collaboration on a global scale. Additionally, the event features competitions carefully curated to engage students and emerging professionals, nurturing the future workforce of India in AVGC.
Shaping the Future of AVGC-XR
In its fifth edition, Bengaluru GAFX continues to shape the future of the AVGC-XR industry, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation, and global networking. The event, with its diverse sessions, competitions, and networking opportunities, stands out as a catalyst for the growth of the AVGC sector in India and its recognition on the global stage.
