The future of Indian cinema takes center stage at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held from 20th to 28th November, 2024 with the transformative Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative. 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.
As the largest fully supported platform of its kind, CMOT promotes interaction, engagement, and learning among emerging creators and industry veterans.
This year’s CMOT program boasts a significant expansion, welcoming 100 young talents across 13 filmmaking trades, a leap from previous editions that featured 75 talents in 10 crafts.
Industry Impact
From humble beginnings to global acclaim, CMOT alumni have scripted stories of success that resonate beyond borders. Be it contributing to multi-million dollar Hollywood blockbusters like Dune, Nimona and Meg 2 or winning accolades at Cannes, Toronto, Berlinale and the International Emmy Awards. these visionaries have left an indelible mark on the creative landscape,solidifying their presence on the global stage.
This year, IFFI pays tribute to five outstanding CMOT Champions whose journeys exemplify determination, creativity, and excellence:
• Chidananda S. Naik – Awarded at Cannes.
• Subarna Das – Projects premiered at TIFF, SXSW, and Berlinale.
• Akshita Vohra – Acclaimed for award-winning projects.
• Akhil Damodar Lotlikar – Selected in multiple international film festivals.
• Krishna Dusane – Part of international successes.
These trailblazers will mentor five CMOT teams during the short filmmaking challenge at IFFI, sharing insights from their inspirational journeys.
A Platform for Emerging Creatives
Since its inception, this groundbreaking initiative has attracted 225 young creative talents from every corner of India, including the Northeast Indian States and Jammu & Kashmir. As the largest fully-supported platform of its kind globally, it stands as a testament to India’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cinematic storytellers.
Selecting the 100 Creative Minds
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 Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, 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 two-step evaluation:
• 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.
• Grand Jury: Featuring film industry stalwarts and veterans, the Grand Jury meticulously evaluated the shortlisted applications to select the final 100 participants across all filmmaking trades.
Expanded Filmmaking Trades
Breaking new ground, CMOT 2024 broadens its horizons with a focus on 13 dynamic filmmaking trades, including the newly introduced Voice Over/Dubbing category and a standalone Hair & Makeup section. The program now encompasses:
• Direction
• Acting
• Cinematography
• Editing & Subtitling
• Scriptwriting
• Playback Singing
• Music Composition
• Costume Design
• Art Direction
• Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR)
• Hair & Makeup
• Sound Recording
• Voice Over/Dubbing
Engaging Programs and Opportunities
CMOT 2024 promises a dynamic, immersive experience for participants. The 100 CMOT participants will embark on an enriching journey from 20th to 28th November 2024 in Goa, participating in a comprehensive program that includes:
Masterclasses with Luminaries: This year’s CMOT program offers exclusive access to masterclasses led by industry stalwarts and international experts. These sessions cover a spectrum of filmmaking disciplines, including acting, pitching, writing, and post-production. The topics include:
• Mastering the Art of Acting: A Guide to Crafting Authentic Performances by Mukesh Chhabra, India’s leading casting director.
• The Art of Pitching: Crafting the Perfect Pitch for Producers, Distributors, and Investors by Siddharth Jain, Founder of The Story Ink.
• Crafting Cinematic Harmony: The Art of DI and Color Grading Across Film Disciplines by Prithvi Buddhavarapu, renowned colourist at Bridge PostWorks (Online).
• The Writer’s Process: From Research to Writing Visually by Charudutt Acharya, acclaimed screenwriter.
• Pathways to Global Recognition: Navigating International Markets and Labs for Independent Filmmakers by Koval Bhatia, Founder of A Little Anarky Films.
• Real to Reel: The Craft and Scope of Documentary Filmmaking by Saif Akhtar, filmmaker at YRF Studios.
48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge: Participants, divided into five teams of 20 members, will create short films on the theme “Relationships in the Age of Technology” within 48 hours. The challenge will take place from 21st to 23rd November, 2024, across 12 locations within a 4-kilometer perimeter of Panjim.
The best films will be showcased at the festival venue and judged by the Great Grand Jury, with awards presented in various categories.
The filmmaking challenge is organized in collaboration with Shorts International, a UK-based network and is a unique opportunity to test creativity, teamwork, and storytelling under tight deadlines.
Talent Camp: An exclusive opportunity for participants to pitch their skills and connect with representatives from more than 11 leading Media and Entertainment companies, including Roy Kapur Films, Bridge Postworks, We Are Yuvaa, Mukesh Chhabra Casting Co., The Story Ink, and more. This flagship event facilitates meaningful conversations and potential collaborations, enhancing participants’ prospects in the industry. Notably, in addition to the 100 Creative Minds, our esteemed network of 225 talented alumni artists and filmmakers will have the opportunity to network with the esteemed Talent partners from the industry.
Tours of IFFI and Film Bazaar: Participants will attend the inaugural ceremony of the 55th IFFI and explore Film Bazaar, India’s premier cine marketplace. On 24th November 2024, a guided tour of Film Bazaar will offer insights into the business of cinema, complemented by various film screenings throughout the festival.
Conclusion:
In its fourth edition, CMOT continues to solidify its reputation as a one-of-a-kind platform that celebrates the talent and ambition of young artists, filmmakers, and creators. 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 recognizes 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.
