'Golden Oosikar' at Anchorage International Film Festival

I just got back from the Anchorage International Film Festival in Alaska. It was an eventful trip, starting with a missed connection and lost luggage, but ended on a high note with 'Topi' bagging the first prize in the animation category. For the 'Golden Oosikar' award, I received an oosik, which is a fossilized walrus penis (!).



The screening of 'Topi' that I attended went well and there were some good questions at the Q & A after. As I've mentioned before, this was the first time I'd seen the film with a public audience.

I also had the opportunity to meet several filmmakers and festival organizers. And I took lots of pictures of snow :)

River to River Florence Indian Film Festival Audience Award (Short Film)

I'm thrilled that Topi won its first audience award at an Indian-themed festival. This is also the film's first international award.

The festival's name refers to the rivers Arno (Italy) and Ganges (India).

'Commendation' at 2D Or Not 2D Animation Festival

Very nice to be recognized by this festival because its mission is to promote traditional animation principles and their application in different mediums.

'Making-of' Video

A video (created for an award application) that shows the step-by-step progress of two shots. Took forever to resurrect those old files, but it's a nice video to have.

December Screenings

'Topi' was just accepted to Seattle's 2D or Not 2D Film Festival (Dec 5), which has described it as "the heartwarming tale of how opposites can meet and share in an unspoken brotherhood that defies prejudice, sectarianism and politics."

It will also screen in Florence, Italy, at the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival (Dec 4 - Dec 10) - the first time that any of my films will be shown in Italy.

Siggraph Asia is coming up as well: Dec 16 - Dec 19 in Yokohama, Japan.

Finally, I will be watching the film with an audience for the first time at the Anchorage International Film Festival (Dec 4 - Dec 17) in Alaska (also my first trip to Alaska).

'Best Short Film' Finalist at South Asian International Film Festival

Topi was one of five finalists for the HBO Short Film Award at SAIFF 2009.

'Best Picture' and 'Best Screenplay' at chashama Film Festival

Can't believe it!