The short film “Odh” garnered the prestigious Best Film Award at the 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) during the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. The film, focusing on the diminishing beach lines of Goa, brought a fresh perspective and critical insights.
Congratulating the winners, Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Films) at the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Managing Director of NFDC, emphasized the significance of recognizing true content in filmmaking. He underscored the importance of platforms like CMOT in promoting the work of young creative minds, positioning India on the global cinematic stage.
Director Shoojit Sircar, a jury member for 75 CMOT, spoke on the incredible feat of creating a short film in just 48 hours. The theme, “The Mission Life,” prompted filmmakers to explore emotions such as self-retrospection, hope, and protest.
Sircar praised all the competition’s films as relevant, thought-provoking, and addressing crucial environmental preservation topics. He commended the participants, stating, “All of you are winners already.”
Carter Pilcher, CEO of Shorts TV and another jury member, applauded the concept of providing a platform like CMOT for young creative minds to showcase their talent, deeming it phenomenal.
As part of the Film Challenge, 75 CMOT participants were organized into five teams, each producing short films on the theme ‘Mission Life’ within a 48-hour timeframe. The competition, a collaboration between NFDC and Shorts International, included workshops and masterclass sessions with renowned figures from the world of cinema.
Initiated by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the CMOT initiative aims to foster and support young creative talents in various aspects of filmmaking. Launched in 2021 to commemorate the 75th year of India’s Independence, the initiative is part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
