The Karnataka government, together with the Association of Bengaluru Animation Industry, will organize the seventh edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2026, one of India's largest AVGC-XR conferences and exhibitions, starting on February 27.

The Karnataka government, in partnership with the Association of Bengaluru Animation Industry, will organize the seventh Bengaluru GAFX 2026, a major AVGC-XR conference and exhibition in the country, starting on February 27.

Officials stated that it will unite creators, studios, technologists, investors, policymakers, global studios, education leaders, and industry organizations from India and overseas, strengthening Karnataka's role as a premier center for the AVGC-XR creative technology ecosystem.

A key feature of GAFX 2026 will be the inaugural exclusive behind-the-scenes presentation of 'Kantara: Chapter 1', providing viewers and industry experts a unique glimpse into the production of one of India's most awaited film endeavors.

GAFX will present an in-depth look at the creation of the Oscar-nominated animated short film 'Cardboard' by DNEG Animation for the first time, along with a craft session focused on the Oscar-nominated feature 'The Lost Bus' by Industrial Light & Magic, it announced.

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The statement mentioned that these sessions will feature additional high-profile behind-the-scenes content and making-of presentations, such as Deadpool and Wolverine: The Art of Blood and Guts by Framestore, along with a behind-the-scenes session on Netflix's popular animated series 'Kurukshetra' by HiTech Animation Studios.

IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that Bengaluru GAFX has become a crucial platform for India's AVGC sector, uniting talent, technology, policy, and global prospects.

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The theme for this year's 'Evolution Reloaded' embodies Karnataka's conviction that the upcoming stage of development in creative sectors will be propelled by the fusion of human creativity and advanced technology, particularly AI and real-time systems, he mentioned.

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"Our aim is to transition from merely a services leader to a global center for original intellectual property, cutting-edge storytelling, and immersive innovation, created in Karnataka for a worldwide audience," he stated.