CM fails local filmmakers

SHILLONG: Chief Minister has failed to fulfil his tall promises to local filmmakers made during the Indian Panorama Film Festival, said Khasi director and producer Commander Shangpliang.
Addressing mediapersons before the release of Khasi-Jaintia movie Thong Iong Nga, directed by Simi Khongthiang, Shangpliang said there had been no support from the government except for hollow assurances.
“He (the chief minister) has assured us that he would establish a hall (to screen only Khasi films) and we even have the statement on record. The government also assured to come up with a film policy,” the filmmaker said, adding that certain points were tabled during a meeting with government representatives.
Shangpliang criticised the state government for investing over Rs 2 crore in Bollywood movie Rock On! 2 but ignoring the financial requirement of local filmmakers.
“It (the government) said that there has to be certain guidelines that needed to be followed, yet without following any guidelines, the government invested Rs 2 crore in Rock On!2. For local filmmakers, the government should have invested Rs 4 crore,” he said and stressed on the need for a film policy.
The new release cost the director Rs 16 lakh and there was no government support.
Meanwhile, Khongthiang said her movie will be released at Bijou Cinema hall on November 24.
Thong iong nga (My dream) deals with the aspirations and achievements of young musical artistes.
Stating that it is a movie close to her heart, she said, “It narrates the dream that every individual has.”