India is embracing its growing love for anime and manga with the WAVES Anime and Manga Contest (WAM!), a vibrant initiative designed to nurture local talent and showcase it to the world. Organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Media and Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), WAM! encourages artists to create Indianised adaptations of popular Japanese anime and manga styles. The competition provides opportunities for publishing, distribution, and industry exposure while fostering creativity among emerging artists.
WAM! is a key part of the Create in India Challenges under the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will take place between 1 and 4 May 2025 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre and Gardens. WAVES, a premier forum for discussions and collaborations in the media and entertainment industry, has already attracted over 70,000 registrations globally. Through WAM!, India is strengthening its position as a vibrant hub for anime and manga, blending traditional storytelling with modern artistic expression.
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Eligibility Criteria
Events Calendar
Contest Details
The competition spans multiple categories: Manga, Webtoon, and Anime, with specific requirements for student and professional entries. Participants must submit their work in the prescribed format and within the designated time frame:
- Manga (Student and Professional): 2 pages, minimum 4 panels each, inked and coloured (physical/digital).
- Webtoon (Student): 7 inked and coloured panels.
- Webtoon (Professional): 10 inked and coloured panels.
- Anime (Student): 10 seconds of animation based on the provided script.
- Anime (Professional): 15 seconds of animation based on the provided script.
All contests will be held offline, and participants must be present in person. The schedule includes registration at 9:00 AM, a debriefing at 9:30 AM, and the competition running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Cosplay events and performances will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and the grand finale will be held at WAVES 2025.
Exciting Prizes and Opportunities
Winners of WAM! will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Anime Japan and other international events, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This presents a golden opportunity for aspiring creators to gain global recognition and showcase their work to a broader audience.
Cosplay Competition: A Thrilling Addition
The WAM! Cosplay Competition invites participants of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their creativity by cosplaying as characters from anime, manga, gaming, or Indian comics. The competition encourages originality, with costumes and props being self-made (props must be non-functional and cleared during pre-event inspection). Judging will be based on costume accuracy, craftsmanship, creativity, audience engagement, and a brief interaction segment. The top three cosplayers will receive cash prizes, and all participants will be awarded e-certificates.
WAM! aims to make India a dominant force in the global animation and comic scene, with WAVES 2025 set to be a landmark event in this creative revolution.
