The fifth edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) began in Goa on Friday, bringing together 125 young filmmakers from across the country for an intensive 48-hour filmmaking challenge held on the sidelines of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the initiative and said CMOT has emerged as a key platform for India’s next generation of storytellers. He added that the programme not only exposes participants to global creative ecosystems but also contributes to shaping the country’s future creative economy.
Highlighting the scale and momentum of the initiative, Dr. Murugan said the challenge sharpens the skills of emerging creators by placing them in high-pressure, real-time production environments.
He also highlighted key government initiatives, including the newly launched Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai, designed to nurture talent, strengthen India’s creative ecosystem, and boost the Orange Economy, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a vibrant, innovation-driven creative sector.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, addressing the young participants, said their selection itself was a significant accomplishment. Recalling the strong entries in previous editions, he said CMOT has consistently produced high-quality short films and noted that alumni from the programme have gone on to be recognised at national and international film platforms. “Many among you will emerge as future storytellers and cultural ambassadors of India,” he said.
“This year, IFFI has been reoriented to serve as a platform for India’s Creative Economy, marking the beginning of the Orange Economy. Our focus is firmly on young creators and the creative minds of tomorrow. What began as a pilot in 2021 has now become mainstream, with entries coming in from across the country. The 100 winners of Creative Minds and 25 winners of the Create in India Challenge from WAVES have been grouped into five teams and are now deep into an intense 48-hour hackathon — the creative powerhouse of IFFI,” he added.
Founder and CEO of Shorts International, Carter Pilcher, described this year’s edition as one of the most dynamic to date. He said the programme has steadily gained international credibility, with past participants screening their works at major global festivals and securing recognition in top short-film circuits worldwide.
CMOT, organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation, aims to identify and nurture new filmmaking talent. The initiative includes 13 film crafts and provides young creators with direct exposure to industry experts during IFFI.
The 56th International Film Festival of India is being held in Goa from November 20 to 28.