The vibrant enthusiasm of youth, an electrifying atmosphere and the intensity of 48 tireless yet unforgettable hours – this was the scene at Maquinez Palace , during the Closing Ceremony of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT), held in the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

CMOT has emerged as a leading platform for discovering and nurturing India’s most promising young filmmakers. This year marked a significant milestone, with the program expanding to include 100 young talents across 13 filmmaking disciplines, a notable increase from the 75 participants and 10 crafts featured in previous editions. The initiative garnered an overwhelming response, receiving nearly 1,070 entries from across India, showcasing their talents in 13 film-related trades.

A highlight of the event was the 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge where participants, divided into five teams of 20 members each, created short films centred around the theme “Relationships in the Age of Technology”. The challenge took place from November 21 to 23, 2024, across 12 locations within a 4-kilometer radius of Panjim, which tested the team’s creativity and resilience.

This year, the winners of the 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge at CMOT are:

1. Best Film: Gullu

Best Film (Runners-up): We Hear the Same Music

2. Best Director: Arshaly Jose (Gullu)

3. Best Script: Adhiraj Bose (Lovepix Subscription)

4. Best Actress: Vishakha Nair (Lovepix Subscription)

5. Best Actor: Pushpendra Kumar (Gullu)

Ms. Arshaly Jose, who won the Best Director award, expressed 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. Working with this exceptional team has been an unforgettable experience.”

These young talents were mentored by the previous year’s CMOT alumni who were invited as CMOT Champions – Chidananda Naik, Akhil Lotlikar, Subarna Dash, Akshita Vohra and Krishna Dusane.

Praising the participants, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said, “To produce such exemplary films within 48 hours under immense pressure is an achievement in itself. Every participant here is a winner.” He further emphasized, “This year, we have dedicated IFFI to legends- of the past and of the future, represented by the youth of our country. Initiatives like CMOT, Film Bazaar, and the Red Carpet provide a gateway for aspiring filmmakers to realize their dreams.”

Actor Amit Sadh, also present at the ceremony, praised IFFI for bringing the film industry’s opportunities directly to young filmmakers and actors from across the nation. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Neerja Sekhar, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary of Broadcasting and MD, NFDC; Vrunda Desai, Joint Secretary of Films, and Apurva Chandra, former Secretary of the Ministry of I&B. Acclaimed writer and Grand Jury Member Samrat Chakraborty also attended the event.

As the winners were announced amidst an enthusiastic crowd, Carter Pilcher, Founder and CEO of Shorts International, lauded the participants, remarking, “the quality and content of the films produced this year are brilliant and outstanding.”

Organized in collaboration with UK-based network Shorts International, the 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge offers a unique opportunity for young filmmakers to test their creativity, storytelling skills and teamwork under intense time constraints. Shorts TV also took on the task of the entire pre-production, production and post production of these films at CMOT.

This year, CMOT has not only celebrated the vibrant talent of young filmmakers but also cemented IFFI’s role as a launchpad for these filmmakers.

..

Ajay KR