In a historic moment for India’s animation industry, Desi Oon, an animated film by renowned director Suresh Eriyat, has clinched the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025. Held in the picturesque town of Annecy, France, this festival is widely regarded as the Cannes of animation, celebrating the most groundbreaking animated works across the globe. For India, this win is not merely a cinematic triumph; it is a cultural breakthrough. The film’s recognition on such a prestigious platform not only showcases India’s storytelling brilliance but also marks a defining moment for its animation industry, long striving for global acknowledgement. 

What is Desi Oon?

Desi Oon which roughly translates to “Indian Wool,” is a commissioned short film that seamlessly weaves traditional Indian themes with contemporary animation techniques. Directed by Suresh Eriyat, an expert in the Indian animation landscape and founder of Studio Eeksaurus, the film reflects the quirky, layered storytelling style he is known for. With humor, warmth, and emotion, Desi Oon brings to life the essence of Indian culture and craftsmanship, told through an animated lens that resonates with viewers of all ages and nationalities. It’s a tale that celebrates indigenous identity while speaking a universal language of creativity and imagination.

Local Roots, Global Recognition

The journey of Desi Oon to international acclaim started at home, when it won Best Film at the WAVES 2025 Awards of Excellence, India’s premier platform recognizing creativity in animation, design, and visual media. Held in Mumbai at the Jio World Convention Centre from May 1–4, WAVES 2025 was organized under the Create in India Challenge, an initiative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B). The challenge saw participation from over 60 countries, with 750 finalists across 32 creative themes. 

The film stood out for its originality, rooted cultural themes, and technical brilliance, propelling it onto the global stage. 

Speaking to Akashvani News, Eriyat shared, “Winning at WAVES 2025 gave us the belief that India’s unique voice can resonate with a global audience. It started a movement, a movement to create, celebrate, and elevate Indian stories.” The accolades haven’t stopped with Annecy. Desi Oon has also been shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category.

Animating India’s Heart and Soul

What sets Desi Oon apart is its emotional depth and cultural authenticity. It doesn’t rely on spectacle or fantasy alone. Instead, it captures real emotions—pride, nostalgia, community, and resilience—through animated frames. It mirrors rural India’s textures and tones while using a sophisticated visual language that can engage a viewer in Tokyo, Toronto, or Toulouse. 

Sanjay Khimesara, President of ASIFA India, the country’s animation advocacy body, aptly said, “This win is not just Suresh Eriyat’s; it is India’s. ‘Desi Oon’ reflects the soul of India in a frame-by-frame journey that blends humor, emotion, and artistry.” It’s also a story of India’s small but powerful creative communities being seen on a global canvas. The shepherds, artisans, and weavers who inspire these stories may never step onto a red carpet, but their stories now do.

A New Chapter for Indian Animation

The success of Desi Oon is more than a festival win; it is a statement. It signals the emergence of India as not just a service hub for animation but as a source of original, powerful storytelling. It is an invitation for the world to look at India not just for its mythology and folklore, but for its ability to translate them into modern, compelling narratives through world-class animation. As Suresh Eriyat humbly puts it, “It’s a story told in wool, but it has warmth for the world.