Narrating cultures through animation
Vipul Barla is an Animator and Visual Designer, Co-founder and Manager of an Animation studio called Studio Zeng- based in Guwahati, Assam. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Animation Film Design from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. He has worked as an Intern with Bombay Design House, Mumbai and Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Jharkhand.
A native of Ranchi and belonging to the Munda tribe, Vipul believes that Design has the potential to create a positive social impact. Fondness for cartoons and storytelling as a child drew him towards the animation field. Few of his inspirations include documentary animation which depict many issues, are informative and easier to decipher by people from all walks of life. He wishes to make animation films narrating the culture, knowledge system and folklore of indigenous communities.
His memorable assignments include a short trailer on the theme “What is dream to you?” and was titled ‘Nabhas’ meaning the sky. His graduation project was about Origin story of the Munda tribe which tells the story of the creation of earth by Singbonga, the Sun god. At Studio Zeng, Vipul and his team take up projects in animation for Advertisements, Public Service Announcement Videos, Music Videos, Logo Reveals, Information/Educational videos etc. Key projects include animations for an NGO called Sangath India which provides mental health support, another project on spreading awareness about Leprosy. The aspect of helping the society at large through animation is an inspiration behind these projects.