The Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative, an ambitious project by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), launched its fourth edition at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. This event has rapidly become a platform for India’s emerging creative talent in media and entertainment. Celebrated for its unique challenges and nurturing environment, CMOT is evolving into a global creative incubator.
This year, CMOT expanded its participant pool to 100 young creators across 13 filmmaking crafts, marking a substantial leap from last year’s 75 participants in 10 disciplines. Speaking at the event, MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju emphasized the importance of collaboration and global exposure. He also announced the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in February 2025, aiming to elevate India’s position in global media markets.
Participants will engage in a 48-hour filmmaking challenge, a core feature of CMOT. Apurva Chandra, former Secretary of MIB, underscored the significance of teamwork and marketability in filmmaking. The top-performing teams will contribute to Netflix’s ‘Azaadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan’, a storytelling project highlighting India’s independence movement.
Netflix, a key partner in CMOT, continues its Voicebox initiative to train voice-over artists, with over 50% participation from women. Mahima Kaul, Netflix India’s Director of Public Policy, affirmed the streaming giant’s commitment to fostering emerging talent.
Renowned lyricist and CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi highlighted CMOT’s role in democratizing storytelling, bridging gaps between urban and rural creators. “If we restrict storytelling to larger cities, we lose the nation’s diversity,” he said.
Carter Pilcher of Shorts International praised CMOT as a platform for innovation and creativity. The inclusion of five alumni mentors from previous editions, who have since achieved significant milestones, reflects the initiative’s long-term impact.
With its expanded scope, collaborative opportunities, and commitment to mentorship, CMOT is set to redefine India’s creative landscape. This initiative empowers the next generation of filmmakers to showcase their stories, enriching the cultural fabric of India’s media industry.
Credit: This article is based on information from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and industry updates from IFFI.
Key Highlights:
- CMOT launched its fourth edition at IFFI, Goa, featuring 100 participants across 13 disciplines.
- The initiative includes a 48-hour filmmaking challenge and collaboration with Netflix for storytelling projects.
- Industry leaders like Prasoon Joshi and Carter Pilcher praised CMOT’s role in nurturing diverse talent.
- Five alumni mentors will guide participants, showcasing CMOT’s long-term impact.