With expert sessions on advancements in film technology and creative careers, Career X and Creator X program launch, and alumni recognition, the event showcased how industry-aligned learning is shaping future-ready creative professionals.
Kolkata : MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity), a premier institute and pioneer in high-end 3D animation, VFX, gaming, digital content creation, and multimedia training, and a brand of Aptech Limited, has successfully concluded the Kolkata edition of its flagship forum MAAC Manifest 2026 held on April 11, 2026, at Mahajati Sadan. The event brought together numerous students, alumni, and industry experts for a focused day of learning, mentorship, and inspiration aligned with India’s rapidly evolving AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) and content creation sectors.
The Kolkata chapter builds on the event’s strong legacy across cities, where MAAC Manifest engages aspiring creators and creative professionals to share industry-relevant insights and emerging trends that are shaping the future of creative careers in media and entertainment. The format blended expert-led sessions, program launches, and student recognition to bridge the gap between academic training and industry readiness. It was attended by 700+ students from Kolkata and neighbouring regions, 70+ college principals and professors and over 100+ alumni.
The event witnessed the launch of the Career X and Creator X program regionally, an initiative designed to enhance student experience and strengthen career readiness. The launch took place in the presence of Mr. Shourya K. Chakravarty, Chief Human Resources Officer, Aptech Limited and Mr. Amit Dua, Sr. Vice President & National Sales Head – MAAC.
Furthermore, the agenda featured two key industry sessions along with an alumni felicitation ceremony celebrating student success stories. The first session was led by Mr. Anand Bhanushali, Managing Director of Philm CGI, who presented “Invisible VFX by Philm CGI: The Dhurandhar VFX Story.” Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlighted how invisible visual effects play a crucial role in modern storytelling and how advancements in technology are continuously reshaping creative production workflows. The second session featured Mr. Gaurav Markan, Senior Manager – Marketing (B2B & Strategic Alliances) at Canon India. His session, “From Creator to Collaborator: How Big Brands Hire Creative Talent,” explored how brands today are seeking professionals who can combine creativity with collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving content ecosystem.
The participants gained valuable insights into evolving hiring expectations, the importance of building strong portfolios, and the need to develop both creative and technical capabilities to succeed in the industry.
Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail and Brand Custodian - MAAC, said: "The AVGC sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality digital content across films, gaming, advertising, and emerging immersive platforms. At MAAC, our focus goes beyond technical training—we aim to nurture creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and industry adaptability among students. MAAC Manifest serves as an important platform where learners gain exposure to evolving technologies, global production standards, and real-world workflows, enabling them to transition seamlessly into professional environments."
He added, “Bringing MAAC Manifest to Kolkata provides our local talent with a direct link to the pulse of the national Media and Entertainment industry, ensuring they are not left behind by rapid technological shifts. These forums are essential for MAAC students as they bridge the gap between classroom theory and the high-pressure expectations of modern production houses. By engaging personally with experts in VFX and AI, our audience gains the specific industry vocabulary and networking opportunities required to stand out in a crowded job market.”
The event also included an Alumni Felicitation for 100+ professionals, recognising the achievements of MAAC pass-outs who are contributing meaningfully to the industry, reinforcing the institute’s focus on outcome-driven education and career success.
The Kolkata edition of MAAC Manifest 2026 once again underscored the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing future-ready talent. By combining expert insights, student engagement, and real-world exposure, the platform continues to guide aspiring creators towards meaningful and sustainable careers in the rapidly growing AVGC sector.
Kolkata : MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity), a premier institute and pioneer in high-end 3D animation, VFX, gaming, digital content creation, and multimedia training, and a brand of Aptech Limited, has successfully concluded the Kolkata edition of its flagship forum MAAC Manifest 2026 held on April 11, 2026, at Mahajati Sadan. The event brought together numerous students, alumni, and industry experts for a focused day of learning, mentorship, and inspiration aligned with India’s rapidly evolving AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) and content creation sectors.
The Kolkata chapter builds on the event’s strong legacy across cities, where MAAC Manifest engages aspiring creators and creative professionals to share industry-relevant insights and emerging trends that are shaping the future of creative careers in media and entertainment. The format blended expert-led sessions, program launches, and student recognition to bridge the gap between academic training and industry readiness. It was attended by 700+ students from Kolkata and neighbouring regions, 70+ college principals and professors and over 100+ alumni.
The event witnessed the launch of the Career X and Creator X program regionally, an initiative designed to enhance student experience and strengthen career readiness. The launch took place in the presence of Mr. Shourya K. Chakravarty, Chief Human Resources Officer, Aptech Limited and Mr. Amit Dua, Sr. Vice President & National Sales Head – MAAC.
Furthermore, the agenda featured two key industry sessions along with an alumni felicitation ceremony celebrating student success stories. The first session was led by Mr. Anand Bhanushali, Managing Director of Philm CGI, who presented “Invisible VFX by Philm CGI: The Dhurandhar VFX Story.” Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlighted how invisible visual effects play a crucial role in modern storytelling and how advancements in technology are continuously reshaping creative production workflows. The second session featured Mr. Gaurav Markan, Senior Manager – Marketing (B2B & Strategic Alliances) at Canon India. His session, “From Creator to Collaborator: How Big Brands Hire Creative Talent,” explored how brands today are seeking professionals who can combine creativity with collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving content ecosystem.
The participants gained valuable insights into evolving hiring expectations, the importance of building strong portfolios, and the need to develop both creative and technical capabilities to succeed in the industry.
Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail and Brand Custodian - MAAC, said: "The AVGC sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality digital content across films, gaming, advertising, and emerging immersive platforms. At MAAC, our focus goes beyond technical training—we aim to nurture creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and industry adaptability among students. MAAC Manifest serves as an important platform where learners gain exposure to evolving technologies, global production standards, and real-world workflows, enabling them to transition seamlessly into professional environments."
He added, “Bringing MAAC Manifest to Kolkata provides our local talent with a direct link to the pulse of the national Media and Entertainment industry, ensuring they are not left behind by rapid technological shifts. These forums are essential for MAAC students as they bridge the gap between classroom theory and the high-pressure expectations of modern production houses. By engaging personally with experts in VFX and AI, our audience gains the specific industry vocabulary and networking opportunities required to stand out in a crowded job market.”
The event also included an Alumni Felicitation for 100+ professionals, recognising the achievements of MAAC pass-outs who are contributing meaningfully to the industry, reinforcing the institute’s focus on outcome-driven education and career success.
The Kolkata edition of MAAC Manifest 2026 once again underscored the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing future-ready talent. By combining expert insights, student engagement, and real-world exposure, the platform continues to guide aspiring creators towards meaningful and sustainable careers in the rapidly growing AVGC sector.
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