Unreal Engine by Epic Games, the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D creation tool, today announced the winners of its ‘Shorts India Program’, successfully concluding its inaugural edition in India. To celebrate and inspire creativity using real-time engine concepts, the three-month program was designed to train Indian VFX creators and animators using cutting-edge tools such as the Metahuman creator, Quixel, and more. This allowed studios to set up production pipelines using Unreal Engine which enabled the artists and the production crew to work remotely. Technicolor studio for their film ‘Devmasa’ emerged as the winner with Holocraft for ‘Karu’ and Manhole Collective- IIT Bombay for ‘Manhole’ as the two runner ups of the Short Film Program.
The program attracted not only aspiring professionals but studios and production houses across the country’s VFX and animation industry, including AI Solve, Gametronics, Toonz Animation, Openair Films, Qyuki, Vishesh Films, and more.
Once completed, the shorts were then judged by a group of renowned Indian and international names, including filmmaker Ayan Mukerji; director, screenwriter, and producer Dibakar Banerjee; filmmaker Bharat Bala; and producer Karen Dufilho-Rosen.
In the end, Technicolor Studio emerged as the winner for its film DEVMASA, with Holocraft’s KARU and Manhole Collective-IIT Bombay’s Manhole coming in as the two runners-up.
Below are the Unreal Engine's top entries.
Technicolor & Neha, Ruchir – DEVMASA DEVMASA tells the story of Jhinga, a 13-year-old boy from one of the oldest fishing communities of Mumbai, who dreams of being a ‘King of the Seas’ just like his father. This immersive visual experience, complete with a magical sea creature as the project’s namesake, brings a unique perspective to a father-son story.
Holocraft – KARU
Far into the future, man-made disasters such as climate change have forced underground creatures to come to the surface. Using Unreal Engine, Holocraft brings a new world to light for both English- and Tamil-speaking audiences.
Manhole Collective - IIT Bombay – Manhole
Manhole takes audiences on a suspense-filled journey of a youngster. Drawing on real-world narratives of the Indian diaspora, this Hindi short tells a larger story of the ignored and underappreciated individuals in our society.
Toonz Animation India Pvt Ltd – The End
Toonz Animation takes us into outer space with Tu, a Dorean girl from the distant future who has always fantasized about the first life-friendly planet, Earth.
Viga & Qyuki – Nirvana
Created in partnership with Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman, Nirvana tells the story of a rebellious young girl who breaks one of her village’s chief traditions after sensing the presence of a mysterious creature.
Zebu Animation – The Perfect Gift
The Perfect Gift centers on a dad who is late for his kid’s birthday, but has a few things to take care of before he can get home.
Virtualone – Love Story 2025
Set in a futuristic Mumbai, Love Story 2025 is Virtualone’s take on the future of dating and what we might witness in a technologically advanced world.
TiltLabs – Ember - Act 1
TiltLabs’ Ember - Act 1 tells the story of a fallen king. Plagued by a curse that massacred his entire kingdom, he journeys across vast lands to seek redemption for his people.