The fourth edition of the Arnab Chaudhuri Director’s Award, held at the AnimationXpress’ Ann Awards 2024 during the Animation and More (AM) Summit, celebrated two exceptional young filmmakers whose groundbreaking work in animation left a lasting impression on industry stalwarts. This special ‘In Memoriam’ award honours the legacy of the late maestro Arnab Chaudhuri, spotlighting directors with innovative and original voices.
The Arnab Chaudhuri Director’s Award recognises directors in two categories:
- The Arnab Chaudhuri Animation Ace Award is for directors who are making their mark with their brilliant boundary-pushing work that has its own unique creative voice.
- The Arnab Chaudhuri Young Ace Award goes to student directors who showcase innovative creative originality.
Arnab Chaudhuri Animation Ace Award: Shaheen Sheriff
Shaheen Sheriff was awarded the Arnab Chaudhuri Animation Ace Award, receiving a cash prize of Rs 50,000 jointly contributed by Ashima Avasthi, Vaibhav Kumaresh, and Animation Xpress. Along with the cash prize, he was gifted a TVPaint Animation 12 Professional license which is worth Rs 1.5 lakhs.
Upon receiving the award, Sheriff expressed his gratitude and reflected on the profound influence of Chaudhuri’s work, especially his directorial masterpiece Arjun: The Warrior Prince. Sheriff praised the film’s sincerity and authenticity, noting how every frame exudes a timeless quality that continues to inspire animators globally. “I feel honoured and aspire to approach my future projects with the same sincerity and passion that Arnab Chaudhuri infused into his,” Sheriff said.
Like every year, the winner of the Arnab Chaudhuri Animation Ace Award was nomination-driven and was decided by an eminent jury committee consisting of people who worked closely with Chaudhuri during his lifetime: Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology Bangalore consultant & UPES Dehradun; IIT Bombay; IIT Hyderabad adjunct professor Nina Sabnani; filmmaker, animator & UCLAN part time animation lecturer Pete Bishop; On Air Promos Sdn Bhd creative director Rob Middleton; Disney Branded Television International Animation vice president Orion Ross; UID NCR adjunct faculty Prakash Moorthy; along with AnimationXpress founder, chairman and editor-in-chief Anil NM Wanvari and Ashima Avasthi Chaudhuri.
The jury found it challenging to select a winner, but almost unanimously chose Shaheen Sheriff. His animated short Watchmaker at Time’s End impressed everyone with its impeccable style and lasting impact, making him the clear choice.
“Watchmaker At Time’s End is a mad interesting short take on our insane urge to keep order even in the face of utter cataclysm, while despite the rain of falling meteorites the watchmaker is astounded by a hurried marriage that couldn’t wait any longer for order to return,” Moorthy shared in his message. “While this film reflects the madness of our times, it reminds me of the blind watchmaker Richard Dawkins’s book on the randomness of evolution. Shaheen’s work, the art, sound design, and humour is fantastic in telling a wide story about us.”
Arnab Chaudhuri Young Ace Award: Kartik Mahajan
The winner of this entry-driven category was decided by a jury committee that included Jellyfish Pictures CG supervisor Ramesh Chinneri; Vaibhav Studios founder & creative director Vaibhav Kumaresh; Wanvari and Avasthi.
The Arnab Chaudhuri Young Ace Award, aimed at student directors, was awarded to Kartik Mahajan, a graduate of the National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh. Mahajan received Rs 30,000 and a Huion tablet for his exceptional work on the 2D animated short film Phool Dei.
Mahajan’s film, which explores themes of change, adventure, magic, and nature, is both a tribute to the traditions of Uttarakhand and a commentary on the region’s challenges. Reflecting on his journey, Mahajan, who was part of NID Madhya Pradesh’s inaugural batch, shared how YouTube served as a key source of inspiration in the absence of senior mentorship. “Going through Indian animation history, I discovered Arnab’s work which has really inspired my vision. My film is a tribute to his legacy,” Mahajan shared while thanking Animation Xpress for the award.
Avasthi was deeply moved by Mahajan’s artistic tribute, which he shared on his social media wall a few days after winning the award. His artwork reflected the profound respect he holds for the late animation maestro.
“I am happy to see Kartik win this award. Through Phool Dei, Kartik has very faithfully and beautifully captured moments from his life that are very close to him. The Arnab Chaudhuri Award is a huge honour bestowed upon him. I expect great things from Kartik in the future and wish him all the very best for the same,” said Kumaresh.
Mahajan’s Phool Dei is also a contender at the 26th DigiCon6 Asia Awards in Japan, having topped the Gold category in India.
The Arnab Chaudhuri Director’s Award continues to nurture and celebrate emerging animation talent, ensuring that Chaudhuri’s legacy of creativity, passion, and boundary-pushing artistry endures. Both Sheriff’s and Mahajan’s works stand as a testament to this enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of animators.