By Kama Choudhary
Stepping into the world of filmmaking is no small feat, especially for young talents looking to make their mark in the industry. For four exceptionally talented students from Pearl Academy’s
Department of Fashion Communication, their journey took an exhilarating turn as they were selected for the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ segment at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Let’s delve into their inspiring story of creativity, collaboration, and triumph.
From a pool of over 600 applications, Rhea Raj Shinde (Scriptwriting), Vatsa Ishaan Vatsa Vinaykumarsingh (Direction), Sanjeevni Tanwar (Cinematography), and Kanika Sahni (Costume and Make-up) were chosen for their outstanding talents in various aspects of filmmaking by a Grand Jury consisting of industry stalwarts such as Prasoon Joshi, a renowned Lyricist and Chairman CBFC, Ketan Mehta, a well-known Director, Shankar Mahadevan, a renowned Indian Musician / Singer, Manoj Bajpayee, a popular Actor, Rasul Pookutty, an Oscar Winning Sound Recordist and Vipul Amrutlal Shah, a known Producer/ Director.
Initiated by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur, the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ is a groundbreaking endeavour aimed at identifying, nurturing, and highlighting emerging cinematic talents from across India. This initiative not only serves as a platform for participants to exhibit their skills on the international stage but also fosters a collaborative environment for the exchange of ideas and creative exploration.
The workshop featured specially curated masterclasses exclusively designed for the 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow. The sessions offered a unique opportunity for participants to gain insights and engage with industry experts, providing a platform for them to enhance their skills and knowledge.
One of the most exhilarating aspects of their experience was the ‘48 Hour Filmmaking Challenge,’ presented by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) in collaboration with Shorts International, a UK-based company. Tasked with creating short films on the theme ‘Save the Environment,’ the students embraced the challenge with unwavering determination and creativity.
The 75 participants were grouped into 5 teams, each tasked with creating a short film within a tight timeframe. In this intense race against the clock, Rhea Shinde led her team in crafting the script, while Ishaan Vatsa took on the directorial role. Sanjeevani and Kanika played pivotal roles in their teams by handling casting, costume design, and makeup. After three days and four nights of unwavering dedication, amidst strict deadlines and frayed nerves, Kanika Sahni’s team emerged victorious, securing a prize of INR 2,25,000.
Despite being in different groups, their collective success at the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ segment of IFFI stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers across India. Their achievement underscores the transformative potential of creativity, passion, and perseverance in turning dreams into reality. Their story is a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and a sprinkle of imagination, anything is possible. As they continue to embark on their creative journeys, we eagerly await the next chapter of their cinematic adventures.
