Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
India may still be considered primitive in the world of animation, but a Mumbai-based animator has earned accolades for using an ancient art form in her film, which has been selected in international festivals.

Dhvani Desai chose a 'Panchatantra' tale and animated it in an almost extinct folk art style called 'Sanjhi' which can be loosely described as the present day's stencil art.

The art originated from a tradition practised in the 17th century when unmarried girls were encouraged to do Sanjhi painting and release it into the river to obtain a suitable groom. Desai told a story of a father's journey in search of a suitable groom for his daughter from the 1,700-year old Panchatantra fables.

Her film 'Manpasand' made for the Children Film Society of the Information and Broadcast Ministry was selected for the 9th Hamburg Children's Short Film Festival held last week in Germany and International Competition of Animated Films for Children and Youth in the Czech Republic. Now, she is all set to leave for Hollywood for her film's screening at the International Animation Film Festival on June 27. Though she has not won any competition, Desai is happy with the nominations.

"In India, animation is still a developing art, whereas it has already progressed in Europe and America. In the animation industry, India's work doesn't count for much. To be seen internationally itself is a big achievement for me," said the animator with 16 years of experience.