AVGC 40 Under 40 at Anime India Kolkata: Celebrating Emerging Creative Leaders
The global animation industry is growing rapidly, fuelled by streaming platforms, interactive media, branded storytelling, and a rising demand for visually engaging content across every digital touchpoint. The heart of this evolution is the AVGC Sector, which comprises Animation, Visual effects, gaming, and comics.
The fourth edition of the AVGC 40 Under 40 awards, hosted by AnimationXpress during Anime India Kolkata at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, brought this evolution into the spotlight by recognising and celebrating the young minds reimagining the narrative landscape. The gathering was more than an award-giving ceremony; it was a showcase of a generational shift redefining storytelling from imagination to production to experience.
AVGC 40 Under 40
The AVGC 40 Under 40, launched and organized by AnimationXpress, is an annual initiative to appreciate the exceptional creative talents under the age of 40 who are transforming industries such as animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and XR (Extended Reality) in India. The awards celebrate leadership, innovation, and creative excellence in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global media and entertainment industry. The winners are the representatives of diverse domains- directors, animators, designers, technical artists, game creators, and storytellers- all united by a common thread- their passion for visual storytelling.
The Contributors Behind AVGC 40 Under 40 – AnimationXpress and Anime India- Kolkata
While the AVGC 40 Under 40 awards celebrated emerging creative leaders, the energy behind the event was driven by two powerful industry platforms – Anime India and AnimationXpress. Anime India has grown into one of the country’s most dynamic Japanese pop culture conventions, uniting anime enthusiasts, artists, studios, creators, and brands under one roof. In 2026, on February 14 and 15, the convention arrived in Kolkata, transforming Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan into a vibrant cultural and creative hub.
At the heart of the awards initiative stands AnimationXpress – one of India’s leading media and publishing platforms dedicated to the AVGC-XR ecosystem. Beyond reporting industry news and insights, AnimationXpress plays an active role in strengthening the sector by spotlighting emerging talent and encouraging innovation. By making Anime India Kolkata an occasion for the fourth edition of AVGC 40 Under 40, AnimationXpress not only acknowledged creative excellence but also fostered a culture of leadership within India’s rapidly expanding digital content landscape.
A Snapshot of the AVGC Industry Gaining Momentum
The AVGC industry is not only entangled in traditional animation production. It now comprises multiple platforms:
- 1. Feature films and streaming series
- 2. Advertising and branded content
- 3. Game cinematics and interactive storytelling
- 4. Educational media and children’s publishing
- 5. Digital comics and transmedia franchises
The diversity of winners at AVGC 40 Under 40 unveils this artistic transformation with talents from stylised animated words, VFX landscapes, and from the field of interactive storytelling through gaming and comics.
The Growing Global Importance of the AVGC Sector
The AVGC sector is gaining international importance across all the creative industries as the content consumption standards are changing aggressively. As audiences now expect high-quality visuals with engaging storytelling, the demand for creative digital content enhanced, marking a noticeable shift from a niche creative field to a central pillar of the modern digital economy. With fast-scaling revenue potential, advanced technological integration, and the ability to transmit values and ideas globally, the industry has become a major contributor to global digital employment and innovation.
Setting Benchmarks Through Recognition
Awards like AVGC 40 Under 40 by AnimationXpress shine a spotlight on the talent driving innovation behind the scenes -the artists, directors, technical experts, and creative leaders who elevate the industry through their vision and dedication. By celebrating their achievements, such initiatives encourage higher standards in quality, efficiency, and storytelling across the AVGC ecosystem.
Beyond recognition, these awards also inspire the next generation of creative professionals, reassuring them that the industry values originality, discipline, and innovation – motivating them to set new benchmarks of excellence. With the global animation market projected to continue steady growth in the coming years, industry recognition becomes even more critical in identifying leaders who will shape its direction.
The Industry Impact of AVGC 40 Under 40
Animation is no longer considered just a form of entertainment. It is widely used in brand communication and advertising, product explainers and startup pitches, educational media, children’s publishing, and interactive content. Now brands worldwide need animation services as it simplifies complex ideas while creating an emotional connection with their target audience. Recognition platforms like AVGC 40 Under 40 are a catalyst for change for studios to invest in the young creative minds who embody a balance of artistic communication, creativity, and professionalism.
For brands, it highlights the growing potential of animation as a medium and the importance of incorporating it into their brand communication for an impactful audience perception. Overall, as the global demand for animated content rises, recognition platforms like AVGC 40 Under 40 also strengthen international collaboration, connecting studios, creators, and brands across borders.
Proud Prayan Presence at AVGC 40 Under 40
Prayan Animation is a globally trusted animation studio based in India, delivering high-quality content for international publishers, studios, and brands. With a strong emphasis on storytelling, artistic excellence, and production consistency, Prayan continues to contribute meaningfully to the evolving AVGC landscape.
At the recently held fourth edition of the AVGC 40 Under 40 Awards, Remesh Ramachandran, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Prayan Animation, was honoured for his contribution to the animation and creative industry. The recognition highlights his leadership in building a globally respected animation studio from India and his role in strengthening creative standards within the industry.
The Road Ahead for the AVGC Enthusiasts
As streaming platforms expand, gaming narratives deepen, and digital publishing grows, the AVGC industry will continue to play a central role in modern media. The next decade will likely see even closer integration between animation, interactivity, and branded storytelling. The professionals recognised at AVGC 40 Under 40 represent a generation building stories that travel across languages, cultures, and platforms.
At Prayan Animation, we celebrate initiatives that recognise creative excellence and industry innovation. The future of animation lies not only in technology, but in the people who shape stories – and events like this remind us that the next chapter of global storytelling is already being written.
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