Goa: The Maquinez Palace buzzed with energy as the Closing Ceremony of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) brought down the curtain on another electrifying edition of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Over 48 unforgettable hours, the young, creative, and relentless energy of India’s emerging filmmakers transformed the venue into a hub of innovation and cinematic brilliance.
CMOT has become a beacon for identifying and nurturing India’s most promising filmmaking talent. This year marked a milestone, expanding the program to include 100 participants across 13 disciplines of filmmaking—an increase from 75 participants and 10 crafts in previous years. With nearly 1,070 entries from all corners of India, the initiative continues to resonate deeply with aspiring filmmakers.
The centerpiece of the program was the 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge, where five teams of 20 members each created short films on the theme “Relationships in the Age of Technology.” Set across 12 locations within a 4-kilometer radius of Panjim, the challenge tested the creativity, resilience, and collaboration of participants.
Winners of CMOT 2024
This year’s standout performers were:
- Best Film: Gullu
- Best Film (Runners-Up): We Hear the Same Music
- Best Director: Arshaly Jose (Gullu)
- Best Script: Adhiraj Bose (Lovepix Subscription)
- Best Actress: Vishakha Nair (Lovepix Subscription)
- Best Actor: Pushpendra Kumar (Gullu)
Arshaly Jose, awarded Best Director, shared her gratitude, saying, “This achievement belongs to my entire team. The script was the true hero of our film, and the moment I read it, I knew we had something special.”
Mentorship and Recognition
Participants were guided by last year’s CMOT alumni, who returned as CMOT Champions, including Chidananda Naik, Akhil Lotlikar, Subarna Dash, Akshita Vohra, and Krishna Dusane. Their mentorship added depth to the program, allowing participants to learn from their experiences.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, praised the participants, stating, “To produce such exemplary films within 48 hours under immense pressure is an achievement in itself. Every participant here is a winner.” He highlighted CMOT’s pivotal role in IFFI, adding, “This year, we dedicate IFFI to legends of the past and the future, represented by the youth of our country.”
Actor Amit Sadh lauded IFFI’s efforts to bridge opportunities in the film industry for aspiring creators and performers. Other dignitaries included Neerja Sekhar, Prithul Kumar, Vrunda Desai, and former Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, Apurva Chandra. Acclaimed writer and Grand Jury Member Samrat Chakraborty also attended the event.
Carter Pilcher, Founder and CEO of Shorts International, commended the participants, saying, “The quality and content of the films produced this year are brilliant and outstanding.” Shorts International, a key collaborator in the challenge, oversaw the entire pre-production, production, and post-production process.
A Platform for the Future
This year’s CMOT not only celebrated the extraordinary talent of young filmmakers but also solidified its reputation as a launchpad for India’s creative minds. With its dynamic blend of mentorship, competition, and creativity, the initiative continues to inspire and propel the next generation of storytellers into the spotlight.
As the lights dimmed on the 2024 edition, one thing was certain—CMOT had once again kindled the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and passion for cinema among India’s youth.