By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 24: With the objective to back local filmmakers, including National Award-winning director Dominic Megam Sangma, the state government has announced plans to establish a Cineplex in Shillong. This move aims to provide a dedicated venue for local films, which have struggled to find screening spaces in the region.
Sangma, whose film Rapture has been screened in over 100 theaters in France and received international acclaim for its storytelling and cinematography, has faced significant challenges in showcasing his work in his home state.
Responding to this issue, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, on Wednesday, said that part of the Arts and Culture building at the U Soso Tham auditorium will be converted into a Cineplex. “We are working on the master plan, and once we approve the drawings and estimates, we will proceed with the construction of the first Cineplex in Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said.
Regarding the screening of Sangma’s movie, Lyngdoh mentioned that the government is considering the matter, though Sangma has yet to formally approach them. The minister added that the government might incentivise Sangma in various ways and that his name could be considered for the Meghalaya Day Award, which includes a category dedicated to art and culture.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost the local film industry, providing a platform for talented filmmakers like Sangma to showcase their work.