MIPCOM Cannes, the premier global marketplace for entertainment content, continues to expand in scope and influence each year. The 2024 edition saw participation from 110 countries, up from 100 in 2023, reflecting its growing international appeal. The event remains a hub for content creators, producers, distributors, and buyers from around the world, who gather to explore new opportunities and forge collaborations.

India made a strong presence at this year’s event, with the Indian pavilion jointly hosted by the Service Exports Promotion Council (SEPC), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The states of Telangana and Karnataka were actively represented, and the pavilion saw participation from over 235 Indian delegates, including professionals from more than 70 companies and numerous independent creators. Esteemed representatives, including SEPC Chairman Karan Rathore, Director General Abhay Sinha, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, and Telangana Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, highlighted the country’s AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics) capabilities on the global stage.

Biren Ghose, president of Karnataka’s ABAI and Asia Pacific Managing Director of Technicolour Group, emphasised the need for storytelling that promotes social themes and has a meaningful impact on young audiences. Supporting this vision, ABAI’s former secretary and current special projects director, Srinivas Sribhakta, introduced several Indian talents with ambitious creative projects.

Among them was Lacher, a sustainable children’s brand launched by Aesuloid Media. Debuting at the Indian pavilion, Lacher aims to inspire responsible consumption among children through a range of eco-conscious toys, clothing, and stationery. Managing Director Srinivasan Parandaman described the brand’s mission as one that “goes beyond products,” aiming instead to cultivate a lifestyle rooted in environmental care. Lacher’s flagship Kids Series features handcrafted wooden toys, including rattles, balancing dolls, and teethers. These toys are inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of Channapatna, a town in Karnataka renowned for its heritage of crafting wooden toys using sustainable materials and natural dyes.

Another notable showcase was Accidental Revolution, a political thriller presented by writer-director Harsha Setty of Rolling Frames. This thought-provoking film explores themes of rebellion and systemic transformation, envisioning a future where people reclaim governance through unity and innovation. Setty expressed the team’s interest in finding international co-producers and distribution partners to help bring this powerful narrative to audiences worldwide.

Adding to the diverse range of Indian content was Muzeca!! Before We Stop Dreaming is a fantasy adventure animated film by young creator Joyce Ahuja of Joyce Creative Studios. Based in both Bengaluru and Paris, Ahuja’s studio focuses on original IP development and animation production. Ahuja, who began drawing at the age of four and was heavily inspired by Pixar and Disney, showcased the teaser for her film at MIPCOM. Accompanied by her father, she engaged in fruitful meetings with global producers and distributors.

India’s dynamic and growing AVGC industry made a significant mark at MIPCOM 2024, positioning itself as a creative powerhouse ready to collaborate globally.