CHIAFF’26 concludes at Chitkara University, brings together creators, students and Industry voices
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 20, 2026: The second edition of the Chitkara International Animation & Film Festival (CHIAFF’26) concluded at Chitkara University, emerging as a vibrant platform for animation, storytelling, and digital creativity. The two-day festival witnessed active participation from students, industry professionals, and content creators, highlighting the growing significance of visual storytelling in contemporary media.
Organised by the Chitkara Design School’s Department of Animation, the festival featured a dynamic mix of film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, and student showcases. The event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, offering young creators an opportunity to engage with professionals and gain practical insights into the evolving animation landscape.
Among the key highlights was the participation of popular content creator Harun Robert, known for promoting DIY creativity, who interacted with students through engaging sessions. Digital storyteller Prateek Sethi also addressed the audience, sharing his experiences and discussing emerging trends in content creation and audience engagement.
A major moment at the festival was the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award on noted animation filmmaker Nina Sabnani, in recognition of her significant contribution to animation and narrative practices in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Pro Chancellor Dr. Madhu Chitkara emphasised the importance of such initiatives in nurturing creativity and innovation. She noted that CHIAFF serves as a vital platform for encouraging young minds to explore storytelling while connecting them with industry leaders.
With a strong focus on knowledge exchange and creative exploration, the festival facilitated meaningful dialogue between academia and industry. 26It provided students exposure to diverse storytelling formats and reinforced the university’s commitment to innovation-driven education in the creative arts.
CHIAFF continues to evolve as a key academic and cultural initiative, reflecting the rising relevance of animation and digital storytelling in today’s media landscape.