Suresh Eriyat, born in Kerala, India, in 1973, is a trailblazer in the Indian animation industry, renowned for his pioneering work that has significantly shaped the country’s animation landscape.
He graduated from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, specialising in Communication Design with a focus on Animation Film Design. Since the beginning of his career, Suresh has been committed to redefining animation as a powerful medium for storytelling in India, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary techniques to create a unique and impactful narrative style.
In 1998, Suresh founded Famous House of Animation, a studio that played a crucial role in transforming the perception of animation in India. Through this venture, he produced numerous animated advertisements, promos, short films, and music videos, many of which were industry firsts. These projects not only earned him national and international recognition but also demonstrated the potential of animation as a serious art form in India.
After 11 years of success, Suresh, along with his wife Nilima Eriyat, established Studio Eeksaurus in 2009. The studio quickly became a leading name in the Indian animation industry, producing over 500 films across various media platforms, including cinema, television, web, and digital. One of Suresh’s most remarkable achievements came in 2015 when his film Fateline for Rotary won the Annecy Cristal Award considered equivalent only to the Oscar for animation films, marking it as the first Indian film receiving this prestigious honour, which till date is the only one for India.
Suresh’s work is deeply rooted in the socio-cultural and political fabric of India, drawing inspiration from the ordinary and everyday life. His films challenge the notion that animation is solely for children, using the medium to explore complex and profound narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages. His ability to find beauty and meaning in the mundane is a testament to his unique creative vision.
In a country where funding for independent animation filmmaking is absent, Suresh’s journey is particularly inspiring. He worked tirelessly, directing advertisements under stringent and often challenging conditions, to fund his own films. His dedication is evident in projects like Tokri, a film that took eight years to complete, fuelled by Suresh’s relentless commitment and life savings. This determination not only enabled him to create his own films but also to fund the work of young animators, helping them to realise their vision in a country where resources for independent animation are limited.
Suresh’s daily life illustrations have garnered a large following, with admirers drawn to his interpretations of the mundane, which he claims serve as the inspiration for all his films and stories. His book Drawing Stories, compiled from nearly 100 sketchbooks, is a notable collection of art and narratives that showcases his ability to transform everyday experiences into compelling stories.
Music and sound design are also integral to Suresh’s creative process, influenced by his background as a trained vocalist specialising in Indian Classical Music. This musical journey enriches his films, adding depth and emotional resonance to his storytelling.
Suresh’s commitment to the growth of Indian animation extends beyond his own work. He mentors young directors and animation enthusiasts at his studio. His vision is to foster a generation of animation filmmakers in India, not just animators, who can create a market for local animated content and elevate the industry to a global standard, ultimately positioning India as a leading market for animation. In addition to his filmmaking, Suresh serves on the Board of Studies for several design and animation institutes across India, where he helps shape the curriculum and guide the next generation of animators. His influence ensures that the educational framework for animation in India is aligned with industry needs and global trends.
Suresh’s contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including three National Film Awards from the President of India for Best Animated Film for Fisherwoman and Tuk Tuk (2016), Tokri (2018), and Kandittund! (2022). Apart from these 100s of awards won at major forums of Clio, D & AD, Hiroshima Animation Season, Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, Adfest, Palm Springs, International Festival of animated films Annecy, Asia Pacific Adfest, ASIFA, Abby’s, IDPA, NewYork Television Awards, KROK, Golden Panda, Hiroshima Wildlife Festival, Mumbai
International Film Festival, JIFF, Digicon India, Digicon Japan, Holland International Film Festival, Tehran International Film Festival, Anifest, Animaze, TASI, Cine Golden Eagle, ASIFA India, Muse Creative 2016 awards, Mumbai International Film Festival 2016, 2018 and 2022, Pulcinella ( Cartoons on the Bay) to name a few besides numerous official selections at various other film festivals. His films have won hundreds of awards at major international forums, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in global animation.
Suresh Eriyat’s journey is a testament to his relentless creativity, innovation, and dedication to the art of animation. Through his films, illustrations, music, mentorship, and contributions to education, he has not only elevated Indian animation on the global stage but also laid the foundation for a vibrant and thriving animation industry in India. He has been a TEDx speaker in four different platforms, conducted masterclasses at numerous international film festivals, sharing his vision and expertise with the next generation of animators. His work continues to inspire and influence the next generation of animators, storytellers, and artists within India and around the world.
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