The future of Indian cinema takes centre stage at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held from November 20 to 28 in Goa with the transformative Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative.
This year’s CMOT programme boasts a significant expansion, welcoming 100 young talents across 13 filmmaking trades, a leap from previous editions that featured 75 talents in ten crafts.
This year, CMOT received an overwhelming response with around 1,070 entries across 13 different film crafts from all corners of India, including states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Orissa, Jharkhand and Union Territories such as Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The highest number of entries came from the Direction category, followed by Hair & Make-Up and Cinematography.
The selection process involved a selection jury and grand jury.
In the selection jury, award-winning film industry professionals reviewed all entries, including short films, show reels, portfolios, and music files, narrowing down the pool to just over 300 top entries across categories.
In the grand jury featuring film industry stalwarts and veterans, the jury meticulously evaluated the shortlisted applications to select the final 100 participants across all filmmaking trades.
Launched under the banner of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CMOT has become a beacon for discovering and nurturing India’s brightest young talents in filmmaking.
By providing unparalleled opportunities to learn from and engage with the leading legends of Indian and international cinema, CMOT empowers participants to elevate their craft, expand their horizons and build long-lasting connections within the global film industry.
This initiative not only recognises their potential but also equips them with the tools and mentorship needed to transform dreams into groundbreaking achievements, shaping the future of storytelling on a global scale.
