CHYIMI Wins Best Director at NYSAF 2026

Indian animation received global recognition after the animated short film CHYIMI won the Best Director Award at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026. The film is directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who currently serves as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Assam and Commissioner of Police, Guwahati. The achievement highlights the growing presence of Indian and Assamese storytelling in international animation circuits.

Recognition at a global animation platform

The New York Short Animation Festival is known for celebrating creativity, originality, and craftsmanship in animated storytelling. It brings together filmmakers and animators from across the world who showcase diverse styles and narratives through short animated films. Winning the Best Director Award at this festival places CHYIMI among notable works recognised for excellence in animation and visual storytelling.

Director’s vision behind CHYIMI

Speaking about the recognition, Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta emphasised the universal nature of animated storytelling. According to him, animation allows stories to cross linguistic and geographical boundaries. He noted that the honour at NYSAF demonstrates how narratives rooted in local culture and lived experiences can resonate with audiences worldwide. The award recognises the film’s strong artistic direction and its ability to deliver a compelling narrative through animation.

Growing global visibility for Indian animation

The success of CHYIMI reflects the rising influence of Indian animation on international platforms. Regional stories, especially from India’s North-East, are increasingly reaching global audiences through festivals and independent filmmaking. Such recognition not only celebrates creative storytelling but also strengthens the visibility of diverse cultural narratives from India in global media spaces.

Important Facts for Exams

• The New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) is an international platform that showcases innovative animated short films.
• Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta is a senior Assam Police officer who directed the animated short film CHYIMI.
• Guwahati is the largest city of Assam and a key administrative centre in North-East India.
• International film festivals often serve as platforms for cultural exchange and global exposure for filmmakers.

Festival collaborations and wider opportunities

NYSAF also collaborates with Cine Universitario UACJ in Mexico, enabling selected films to be screened for audiences outside the United States. Such partnerships expand the reach of participating filmmakers and provide additional opportunities for global exposure. Through these screenings and collaborations, the festival helps creative voices from different cultures connect with wider international audiences.