Indian Animated Film CHYIMI Wins Best Director at NYSAF 2026

Assam IGP Partha Sarathi Mahanta’s CHYIMI Honoured at New York Short Animation Festival

Indian animation achieved international recognition after the animated short film CHYIMI won the Best Director Award at the New York Short Animation Festival in 2026. The film is directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta , who currently serves as Inspector General of Police in Assam and Commissioner of Police in Guwahati . The achievement highlights the increasing global visibility of Indian and Assamese storytelling through animated cinema.

Recognition at an International Animation Festival

The New York Short Animation Festival is known for promoting innovation and creativity in animated filmmaking. The festival attracts filmmakers, artists and storytellers from across the world who present short films featuring diverse animation techniques and narratives.

Winning the Best Director honour places CHYIMI among the prominent works recognised for excellence in artistic direction and storytelling. The award also demonstrates the growing reach of Indian independent animation within global festival circuits.

Creative Vision Behind the Film

Director Partha Sarathi Mahanta emphasised that animation has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. According to him, stories rooted in local traditions and everyday experiences can resonate with audiences worldwide when presented through powerful visual storytelling.

The film’s direction was praised for its ability to combine artistic imagery with a compelling narrative structure, allowing viewers from different cultural backgrounds to connect with the story.

Rising Global Presence of Indian Animation

The success of CHYIMI reflects the expanding influence of Indian animation on international platforms. Independent filmmakers from different regions of India, particularly the Northeast India , are increasingly showcasing local stories at global film festivals.

Such recognition strengthens cultural representation and highlights the diversity of Indian storytelling traditions in global media spaces.

Festival Collaboration and International Exposure

The New York Short Animation Festival collaborates with Cine Universitario UACJ in Mexico . Through this partnership, selected films are screened for audiences outside the United States.

Such collaborations expand opportunities for filmmakers and help creative works reach broader international audiences, encouraging cross-cultural exchange through cinema.

Exam-Focused Points

• CHYIMI won Best Director at the New York Short Animation Festival 2026.

• The film was directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta , IGP of Assam .

• Guwahati is the administrative centre where he serves as Police Commissioner.

• The New York Short Animation Festival showcases innovative animated short films from around the world.

• The festival collaborates with Cine Universitario UACJ in Mexico for international screenings.