A day of stories, ideas and the people shaping the future of AVGC-XR.
On 21st Oct 2026, Asifa India brought together creators, industry leaders, educators and students for a full day of learning and conversation at #IAD2026.
Highlights
🎬 Siddharth Maskeri took us inside My Mind Is a Multiverse, on imagination and storytelling
💡 Prateek Sethi, in The Goldfish Are Innocent!, offered fresh perspectives on the attention economy
🎬Women Shaping the Future of VFX & Animation
Moderated by Jayanti Mahapatra, this panel was among the most memorable moments of the day:
🔹 Marie-Helene Bourduas, MBA, CRHA, PMP Chief People Officer, Pitch Black
🔹 Amélie Poitras, President, Square One / FOLKS
🔹 Kiran Prasad (KP), Executive in Charge, ILM Mumbai
🔹 Rupali Gatti, Production Designer & Visual Development Professional

🎥 Studios in Focus: Marie-Hélène Bourduas shared milestones and highlights from Pitch Black
🎨 Rupali Gatti, in From Script to Screen, explored visual development and world-building
✏️ Saumin Suresh Patel, visual artist representing Wacom India, closed the day with a creative session

From workplace cultures that nurture talent to pathways into leadership and creative independence, the conversation went well beyond representation. Diversity opens the door. Inclusive cultures and supportive leadership turn opportunity into lasting impact.

🙏 Heartfelt thanks to our speakers, moderator, partners, volunteers and participants. Special appreciation to the students and educators from different Colleges, Universities, Institutes of Mumbai whose curiosity and energy made the day.

We believe the future of animation is about more than tools and technology. It’s about nurturing talent, empowering diverse voices and creating opportunities for the next generation of storytellers.

Here’s to a stronger, more inclusive and globally connected Indian animation, VFX and creative ecosystem!

📸 Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xzj4LzohRQNJrDU36