GOA: The fifth edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) 2025 kicked off today in Goa, transforming the coastal city into a buzzing hub of imagination as India’s most promising young filmmakers begin their high-octane creative journey.
A total of 125 rising stars are diving into a thrilling 48-hour filmmaking challenge—where ideas race from script to screen in a test of speed, teamwork, and cinematic brilliance. For these emerging directors, actors, editors, and writers, this is where their blockbuster dreams begin to take shape.
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, inaugurated the challenge, praising the participants’ passion and the initiative’s remarkable growth since its launch in 2021.
“This platform connects India’s emerging creators to global producers and creative networks. It is not just about filmmaking— it is about shaping the nation’s creative future,” he said.
Dr. Murugan encouraged the youth to embrace the intensity of the 48-hour challenge, noting that such high-pressure experiences sharpen filmmaking instincts. He highlighted key government initiatives such as the newly launched Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai, aimed at nurturing talent and boosting India’s Orange Economy in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a thriving creative sector.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, congratulated the selected participants, calling their inclusion a significant milestone. Recalling the exceptional films from last year’s edition—described as “almost Oscar-like”—he said:
“Many of you will go on to become the future storytellers and global cultural ambassadors of India.”
He also cited the success of a CMOT alumnus who has already earned a National Film Award.
Founder and CEO of Shorts International, Carter Pilcher, hailed CMOT 2025 as “one of the most exciting editions yet.”
“Participants from previous editions are screening at Cannes, at top global festivals, and even making it to the Oscars shortlist,” he noted, urging the creators to push boundaries and embrace collaboration.
Also present at the event were Joint Secretary (Films) Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan and NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum.
About CMOT
Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), aimed at discovering and mentoring India’s next generation of cinematic storytellers. Held alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), CMOT provides a global platform for talented young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to shine.
With four successful editions already to its credit, the landmark fifth edition brings together around 125 youth talents across 13 key filmmaking crafts, channeling raw creativity into the future of Indian cinema.
