New festival seeks to nurture Nepal’s animation and VFX sector

Nepal's burgeoning animation and visual effects industry is set to receive a significant boost with the launch of the AVAAN Animation Film Festival (AAFF 2026). The Animation and VFX Artists Association of Nepal (AVAAN) announced the festival on June 20, aiming to cultivate and showcase local talent.

The festival's inaugural theme, 'Maile Dekheko Nepal (My Nepal reimagined),' invites submissions of animated and VFX-based short films ranging from two to ten minutes. Both Nepali and international artists are encouraged to participate, broadening the scope of creative exchange.

During the launch event, a video highlighted the work of 12 Nepali artists and animators contributing to the global animation industry, underscoring the nation's growing international presence. The festival's mascot, 'Aaffey,' inspired by Nepal's national bird, the Danfe, and artist Arniko, was also unveiled.

Aneel Neupane, secretary general of AVAAN, emphasized the need for industry establishment, stating, "Similar to the IT industry, there are numerous talented animators living in Nepal and working on outsourced projects for AAA game studios and leading animation studios. But we have failed to recognise them because animation as an industry is not established yet." AVAAN plans to collaborate with the government on policy to ensure these artists receive recognition.

Despite the increasing use of VFX and CGI in Nepali films, a gap in animation proficiency persists. AAFF 2026 aims to bridge this gap by promoting locally produced content and fostering a stronger domestic animation ecosystem.

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Similar to the IT industry, there are numerous talented animators living in Nepal and working on outsourced projects for AAA game studios (high-budgeted studios) and leading animation studios. But we have failed to recognise them because animation as an industry is not established yet. AVAAN aims to work in policy at a high level closely with the government to make sure these artists and their contributions become noticed.