Event Coverage
Rainbow, Singapore’s Media Development Authority in $20mn deal
CANNES: On the opening day of the television event Mipcom, Rainbow HD Holdings, Mega Media and the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) have announced a partnership to create $20 million worth of HD programmes over the next three years.
All the programming produced under the partnership will air on Rainbow HD’s Voom HD Networks. Rainbow claims that this is the world’s largest and most diverse suite of HD channels.
Voom HD Networks co-GM Greg Moyer says, “This collaboration is significant for Rainbow in that it marks the company’s first major international co-production effort which directly supports the launch of Voom HD Networks in the global arena. We have formed an important alliance today with a strong production partner that will help share the economic burden in bringing quality high definition programming to the world marketplace. By combining our resources, experience and talent, Rainbow, along with the MDA and Mega Media, are taking HD to the next level.”
MDA CEO Dr. Christopher Chia says that the new collaboration will further add to the development of Singapore’s thriving media scene. “Our growing expertise in next generation HD television production will complement the media infrastructure and talent pool that we have built up in Singapore and allow us to create further synergies. This new collaboration marks our commitment towards positioning Singapore not only a as leader in the production of quality high-definition programs but also as the natural choice for a full range of media activities.”
Mega Media MD Jonathan Foo says, “We are very pleased to be part of this collaboration to develop HD programmes for the global market. We are confident that this collaboration will open up for Singapore-made content and expertise, to be showcased to the rest of the world.”
All high definition programming created through the partnership will be jointly owned by Rainbow, Mega Media and the MDA, growing the programming distribution revenue potential of the organizations.
Mega Media which is a long-form media content provider and a production company in Singapore will provide production and post-production expertise and facilities in Singapore.
Rainbow Media recently launched Voom HD Networks as a stand alone HD content service, targetting the significant programming void within the marketplace. The move expanded Rainbow Media’s programming footprint beyond cable and VOD by providing a third tier of content specifically designed for HD.
Voom HD Networks will focus on producing original HD programming, maintaining a library of HD content, investing in key HD acquisitions and creating a diverse collection of valuable niche-oriented brands.
The MDA was created to make Singapore a global media exchange for media products and services. The MDA was formed by the merger of the Singapore Broadcasting Authority, the Films and Publications Department, and the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) a couple of years ago.
The setting up of MDA was in response to the convergence of different media that requires a consistent approach in developing and managing the different forms of media. Various initiatives, developments and standards for television, film, video, radio, publication and new media are handled by the MDA. The organization makes its guidelines clear and consistent across all the media so as to create a pro-business environment.
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.
