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The Communiqué News

Celebrating India's Growing Passion for Animation and Comics With Anime and Manga Contest

Wam Waves Anime and Manga Contest

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), has announced the launch of the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!). This exciting initiative aims to tap into India’s growing passion for anime and manga, providing a platform for artists to display their creative prowess.

WAM! encourages creators to craft localized adaptations of popular Japanese styles, catering to both domestic and international audiences. Participants will have the chance to gain industry exposure, with opportunities for publishing and distribution. The contest will unfold through state-level competitions across 11 cities, culminating in a grand national finale at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai.

WAM! is part of the broader Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). WAVES 2025 is scheduled from May 1st to 4th at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. The summit will gather industry leaders from around the globe to discuss innovations and growth prospects in media and entertainment.

With over 70,000 registrations already recorded for the Create in India Challenges, WAM! promises to spotlight India’s vibrant anime and manga community while fostering artistic exchanges between Indian and international creators. This contest not only celebrates artistic expression but also positions India as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.


Verticals and Categories

Wam Waves Anime and Manga Contest

Eligibility Criteria


Events Calendar

Wam Waves Anime and Manga Contest


Participation Guidelines:


  • All competitions will be held offline; participants must attend in person.


  • Registration opens at 9:00 AM, followed by a debriefing at 9:30 AM.


  • The competition will take place from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.


  • Cosplay competitions and other performances will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the same day.


  • The WAM! Finale will be held at the WAVES summit from May 1 to 4, 2025, at Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai.


  • Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Anime Japan and other international events, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.


WAM! Cosplay Competition

The WAM! Cosplay Competition is open to individuals, including students, staff, and external participants, with no registration fees. Cosplays must be based on characters from anime, manga, gaming, or Indian comics, encouraging creativity and originality. Costumes and props should be self-made, with no restrictions on craftsmanship, but props and weapons must be non-functional and cleared during pre-event inspection. Participants must maintain decorum, with any offensive behavior leading to disqualification. Judging will be based on costume accuracy, craftsmanship, performance, creativity, audience engagement, and an interaction segment where participants may answer questions about their character or costume. Each performer will have 90 seconds for performance and 1 minute for introduction and interaction, with judges’ decisions being final. The top three cosplayers will receive cash prizes, and all participants will be awarded e-certificates.



What is WAM?

WAM! provides Indian creators with a distinctive chance to create localized adaptations of popular Japanese art styles, appealing to audiences both in India and abroad. With significant marketing support and opportunities for international recognition, the contest seeks to create a robust platform for creative expression in manga and anime.

What is MEAI?






New Delhi, December 12, 2024: The legendary Raj Kapoor’s enduring contribution to Indian cinema was commemorated in a heartfelt gathering hosted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The event, held in New Delhi, brought together family members, dignitaries, and industry veterans to honor the celebrated filmmaker on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary.


Swati Bhat

Raj Kapoor's legacy was celebrated at a special event hosted by our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the event, the Kapoor family expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his warm invitation and unwavering support in celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Raj Kapoor. “Thank you, Shri Modi ji, for such a special afternoon. Your warmth, attention, and support in celebrating this milestone meant the world to us,” the family said.

As the world marks 100 years of Raj Kapoor's artistry, vision, and impact, the family announced the ‘Raj Kapoor 100 Film Festival,’ which will run from December 13-15, 2024. The festival will showcase 10 iconic films across 40 cities, with screenings in 135 cinemas nationwide, ensuring that his timeless contributions continue to inspire generations of cinephiles.

Raj Kapoor’s films, known for their emotional depth and social relevance, continue to influence Indian cinema today, making this centenary celebration a landmark event for film lovers and history enthusiasts.

The Prime Minister lovingly signed a special autograph for Taimur and Jeh.






Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, stars of Pushpa 2, will attend the closing ceremony of IFFI 2024 alongside Vikrant Massey and many other celebrities. The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa will be proven to be a memorable event.


Swati Bhat

Star-Studded Lineup: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, & More at IFFI 2024 Closing Ceremony

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concludes on November 28, 2024, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa, after nine days of celebrating global cinema with over 200 films from 75 countries, masterclasses, and panel discussions.


Key Features of the Event:

A Celebration of Indian Cinema

The Closing Ceremony will highlight the vibrancy of Indian cinema, featuring film personalities like Sukumar, Dil Raju, and Allu Arjun. Performances by Stebin Ben, Bhumi Trivedi, and others will blend music, dance, and cinematic charm.


Recognizing Excellence in Cinema

Awards will be presented, including the Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film and Silver Peacocks for Best Director and Actors. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Phillip Noyce, and Allu Arjun receives Special Recognition for Bharatiya Cinema.

The ceremony features performances like "Rhythms of India," showcasing classical dance forms, and concludes with the promise of an even more spectacular edition next year.



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