Event Coverage
Cannes readies for MIPTV 2002
MIPTV 2002, the annual international television programme market held in Cannes, France, will look at the new trends of television programming and the emerging types of programs shaping the industry this April.
The event, to be held from 15 to 19 April will focus on the issues raised by the impact of digital technology on television and will explore the realm of new programming with Shaping Formats for the Future, a series of five high-key conferences. The series will look at how the development of interactive television services, thematic channels and Internet sites is opening the way to a whole new generation of programming which links established broadcasting with interactivity, according to a press release. In the opening keynote address What Will the Winning Program Formats Be? on 15 April, a top level industry player will outline the keys to create the successful programming of the future.
Leading industry figures will show how thematic and new channels are offering producers more outlets on the second day of the event. A MIPNET case study will investigate the success formula behind the most exciting TV talent show ever Pop Idol, which was created with an impressive array of revenue sources. Five executives linked to this property will look at how it came to life and became a smashing hit. On 17 April, experts will turn to new production techniques and show how digital filming and virtual editing can impact production methods and costs. The MIPDOC Documentary Screenings will take place on April 13 and 14.
The organisation has also decided to re-schedule the event next year – MIPTV 2003 will be held from 24 to 28 March instead of in April. The event will follow the MIPDOC Documentaries Screenings on March 22 and 23. Reed Midem, the organisers, have decided on these new dates after input from regular market participants from Asia, America and Europe. MIPTV scheduled in March will make it easier for producers and distributors to close deals before the summer. It will also allow professionals to have more time between MIPTV and other industry events in May, say the organisers.
The event featured 11,049 executives, 2,827 companies from 90 countries including 1228 exhibiting companies on 481 stands, and 2,167 buyers in 2001.
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
