Church helps promote art through Khasi film fest

SHILLONG: The first Khasi Film festival held at St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Marbisu, saw a warm response from audiences. Part of commemorating the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Lum Jingshai Choir, Marbisu, the event paved way for screening of prominent films for villagers.
Day one included the films Dak Bangla, Papa, Haban Tony and Thong IongNga. Day two will include the films U Tirot, Iung U Shlek, Onaatah and Hep.
Tickets were sold at affordable prices of Rs 500 for Platinum, Rs 50 for Gold and Rs 20 for Silver.
Wealthy Bornfield Sun, speaking about the event, said, “Through promotion of local films the church is expanding its service in a secular manner helping arts and culture of the state.”
Singer-songwriter and choir member Desmond Rimaki Sun played a key role in selection of films and establishing contacts with filmmakers. The co-writers of Haban Tony, Rokester Kharbihkhiew and Daniel Nongrum, expressed appreciation that villagers who cannot afford travelling and ticket expenses to Shillong were most benefitted. Nongrum, also the lead actor of the film, posed for selfies with audiences post the screening.
“This two-day event galvanises not just intimate interaction, but also a sharing of ideas through constructive criticism,” said Nongrum. With Khasi filmmakers no more relying on DVD format due to piracy, major earnings are hit hard. Khasi films are screened and released only in Bijou Cinema in Police Bazaar.
Kharbihkhiew rued that GST of 18 per cent with each ticket sale and 30 per cent payment to the cinema affects earnings.
“As we live in this digital age of free downloads, filmmakers thus stick to earning only through screenings. With Khasi films evolving in content and quality, I would like to urge the Government to construct cinema halls meant only for Khasi film industry.”
Simi Khongtiang, director and producer of Thong IongNga and Iung U Slek, Banteilanglang Nongsteng, producer of Papa, and Kitbok Kharmalki, director of Dak Bangla and Papa were other eminent guests present at the event.