Young Visionaries Steal the Spotlight at CMOT 2025

By Pickle November 25, 2025

With their stories, skills, and daring dreams, India’s young creators have shown that the future of film is not just bright—it’s brilliant, bold, and already here.

The fifth edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) wrapped up in Panaji with a vibrant showcase of India’s next generation of storytellers, as young creators from across the country took center stage at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

The finale was a celebration of skill, collaboration, and creative promise, with five diverse films—each developed by a different group—demonstrating the power of teamwork and youthful vision on one of Asia’s most prestigious cinematic platforms.

The closing ceremony at the Marriott was alive with anticipation as participants, mentors, and industry stalwarts gathered for screenings and the much-awaited awards. Members of the Grand Jury and Great Grand Jury, including celebrated actor Dharmendra, were on hand to encourage and honor the young filmmakers.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, IFFI, and ShortsTV joined in the celebration, presenting certificates and awards to all teams.

Winners Who Lit Up the Night

The evening belonged to the rising stars who impressed both juries with their originality and craftsmanship:

Best Film: The Paper Sky (Blue Team)

Runner-Up Film: The Spit Show (Green Team)

Best Director: Raghu Arav – The Paper Sky (Blue Team)

Best Script: Vishwas K – The Spit Show (Green Team)

Best Director of Photography: Ramiz Naveeth (Green Team)

Best Actor: Arpit Raj (Blue Team)

Best Actress: Sajumi Hamalkar – The Spit Show (Green Team)

Every participating team received recognition, underscoring the event’s spirit of inclusivity and encouragement.

Create in India Challenge: The Game Changer

A standout highlight this year was the remarkable performance of creators from the inaugural Create in India Challenge (CIC), a WAVES initiative designed to discover and nurture the country’s brightest creative minds.

Eleven CIC participants entered CMOT as wild-card contestants—and quickly proved their mettle. Six CIC winners were key members of the victorious Blue Team, while five others contributed to the Green Team, the runner-up, earning accolades in craft categories from Best Writer to Best Animation.

The presence of CIC talent in the top teams is a testament to the challenge’s growing influence. With nearly 100,000 registrations—including more than 1,100 international entries—CIC has become a launchpad for young dreamers from across all 28 States, 8 Union Territories, and over 60 countries.

Its global reach, diversity in age (from 12 to 66), and focus on innovation in animation, gaming, AI, XR, and music underscore India’s leadership in the creative economy.

A Launchpad for Tomorrow’s Storytellers

CMOT, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and NFDC, has grown into a flagship incubator for Indian cinema’s future. This year, around 125 emerging creators collaborated across 13 film crafts, bringing fresh ideas and new energy to the festival. Since 2021, CMOT alumni have gone on to screen at major international festivals, make national headlines, and contribute to a flourishing creative sector.

Mentorship, Momentum, and a Canvas for Dreams

Chairman of the Great Grand Jury, Dharmendra, lauded the participants for their courage and sincerity, urging them to keep building stories that matter. The event closed on a high note, with heartfelt thanks from organizers and a sense of shared achievement echoing through the hall.