Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering the creative economy, nurturing exceptional artists, and empowering aspiring filmmakers to achieve cinematic excellence.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes in the boundless potential of our youth, and he is passionate about providing them with ample opportunities and platforms to showcase their talents,” Thakur asserted during the inauguration of the ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ section at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023 in Goa. This is the third edition of the section, bringing together 75 promising young filmmakers from 19 states across the country.
Emphasizing the remarkable growth of India’s startup ecosystem, Thakur remarked, “Nine years ago, India was a mere spectator in the global startup landscape. However, with the implementation of a forward-thinking policy, India has emerged as the world’s third largest startup hub, boasting over 100,000 startups.” He further highlighted India’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “When the world was grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, India produced 50 unicorns. This exemplifies the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of our youth.”
Addressing the 75 young filmmakers, Thakur expressed his admiration for their enthusiasm and commitment to their craft. “I am immensely proud that each of you is seizing the opportunity that ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ has to offer,” he remarked. “The Government of India is unwavering in its commitment to generating employment opportunities, invigorating the creative economy, providing mentorship to exceptional artists, and empowering aspiring filmmakers to achieve cinematic excellence.”
Thakur acknowledged the significant shift in the geographical representation of Indian filmmakers, noting, “In the past, film audiences hailed from diverse regions like Manipur, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, but filmmakers were largely absent from these areas. Today, we are witnessing an emergence of talented filmmakers from these regions, enriching the Indian cinematic landscape.”
Lauding the collaboration between the organizers and industry giants like Netflix, Zee, and Amazon, Thakur emphasized the importance of providing these young creators with opportunities to hone their skills and gain valuable industry experience. “The involvement of these leading companies is a testament to the recognition of the immense potential and talent that these young filmmakers possess,” he concluded.
