Mumbai, 19 June 2026

The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026 is proudly presenting a remarkable collection of short fiction films under its special initiative, Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT). This platform celebrates the creativity, imagination, and storytelling skills of young filmmakers from across India.

The nine selected short films explore modern-day themes such as technology, relationships, mental health, identity, and human connection. 

Gullu, directed by Arshaly Jose, follows Gulshan, who loses his phone in Goa and unexpectedly finds wisdom and comfort through an unusual driver named Salim.

In Hey Maya, directed by Suryansh Deo Srivastava, a couple turns to an AI relationship advisor to improve their romance, only to discover the complications of relying on technology for matters of the heart.

Khali Khopdi, directed by Vishnu PK, presents a thought-provoking journey of a man who wishes for tomorrow to never arrive and is forced to confront the true value of life.

Director Srishti Garg's Kokum combines animation and live action to tell the story of a young woman who realizes the emptiness of digital relationships and the importance of real human connections.

In Lovefix Subscription, also directed by Suryansh Deo Srivastava, a woman subscribes to a service designed to "upgrade" her boyfriend, leading to unexpected and humorous consequences.

The Paper Sky, directed by Raghunath S N, follows Neerja, once known as Mumbai's "Traffic Girl," whose life takes an unexpected turn when a journalist tracks her down in Goa.

The Window, directed by Piyush Sharma, beautifully explores the bond between a 70-year-old grandmother and her tech-savvy granddaughter as they discover common ground despite their different worlds.

In the film, The Woman Who Has a Name, director Sanjoli Malani tells a powerful story of courage and resilience as a woman fights back after becoming the victim of online harassment and public shaming.

Completing the lineup of the section, We Can Hear the Same Music, directed by Bonita Rajpurohit, is a touching love story about a mute man and a blind woman who use technology to bridge communication barriers and express their feelings.

Together, these films reflect the voices of a new generation of filmmakers who are unafraid to tackle contemporary issues while celebrating the enduring importance of empathy, love, and human connection.

Through Creative Minds of Tomorrow, MIFF 2026 continues its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and providing young storytellers with a prestigious platform to showcase their work before national and international audiences.

About Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) 

Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) is a visionary initiative by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoIB) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), designed to discover, nurture, and spotlight the rising stars of the Indian film industry. It's not just a talent program — it's a launchpad for the storytellers of the future, who will drive India's creative economy.

Each year, CMOT transforms raw passion into cinematic brilliance, offering budding filmmakers from across the country an extraordinary opportunity: to showcase their skills on a global platform at one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals.

The initiative has seen four successful editions take place on the sidelines of India's premiere film festival, IFFI.

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PIB Team MIFF | Harshal Akude/Darshana Rane