By Damang Kharbuli & Mewan Rynjah
The Hello Meghalaya Conclave, held on December 17, 2024, at the Marriott, represents a significant step toward fostering a vibrant and supportive filmmaking community in Meghalaya. By awarding grants to filmmakers such as Simi Khongtiang, Dominic Sangma, and Pradip Kurbah, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to nurturing local talent. However, there are pressing concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the fairness, transparency, and credibility of this platform.
According to the guidelines, a filmmaker must have won a National Award to be eligible for Category A nominations. Renowned filmmakers such as Pradip Kurbah and Dominic Sangma, celebrated for their national and international accolades, exemplify the high standards of this category. Their work, honoured on prestigious global platforms, showcases their remarkable talent, commitment, and adherence to the criteria established by Hello Meghalaya.
Simi Khongtiang’s inclusion in this category has ignited considerable debate among filmmakers regarding the selection process. While her body of work is commendable, it often lacks consistent artistic merit or craftsmanship, prompting questions about her inclusion. Her latest film, Ka Chithi, was primarily crafted and technically executed by Kamki Diengdoh. The film was showcased at select festivals in India, primarily through the efforts of Pradip Kurbah, who played a crucial role in its promotion. While his support highlights his dedication as a senior filmmaker to fostering collaboration, it has also raised questions about the criteria he uses when choosing projects to promote. This has led to concerns about whether the film’s inclusion in festivals was based purely on its merit or influenced by other considerations,Additionally, Simi Khongtiang’s lack of significant accolades, such as a National Award a requirement for Category A, adds to doubts about the selection process. Her political involvement with the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Jaintia Hills, a coalition partner in the MDA Government, has further fuelled speculation that her nomination may have been influenced by affiliations rather than artistic achievements.
Meanwhile, acclaimed filmmakers like Wanphrang Diengdoh, whose film Lorni has received international recognition, were overlooked for the same grant. This inconsistency underscores the need for a transparent and fair selection process that prioritizes talent and creativity over external influences. While collaboration within the industry is essential, it is crucial to ensure that merit remains the primary factor in recognizing and providing opportunities.
For Hello Meghalaya to maintain its integrity and inspire trust within the filmmaking community, it is crucial to clarify the criteria used in such selections. Transparency in the decision-making process will ensure that opportunities are allocated based on merit, not affiliations. Upholding fairness is essential for building confidence in the platform and for inspiring filmmakers to strive for excellence in their craft. Turning to Category B, it is evident that this section requires greater focus on ensuring quality and merit. The eligibility criteria mandate that filmmakers must be registered in the state and have released 2–3 films with CBFC certification within the last five years. However, a critical question arises: are the films produced in this period of sufficient quality, and do they reflect the seriousness and commitment of the filmmakers? Meeting the technical eligibility requirements alone is not enough if the films themselves lack artistic or technical excellence.
Many projects under this category fail to meet the artistic and technical standards required to elevate Meghalaya’s cinema. A review of films streaming on Hello Meghalaya reveals that several works lack compelling storytelling, technical finesse, and artistic depth. This trend underscores the urgent need for a more rigorous and impartial evaluation process to identify and support filmmakers who can truly contribute to the growth of the region’s cinematic landscape.
Hello Meghalaya should also prioritize nurturing new and promising filmmakers who bring originality and creativity to their work. By supporting fresh voices and innovative ideas, the platform can inspire emerging talents to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the state’s film industry. Establishing an experienced and unbiased panel to assess projects would ensure that grants are awarded based on genuine artistic merit and potential, rather than meeting only the minimum eligibility criteria. This approach would not only improve the quality of films supported under Category B but also set a higher standard for what filmmaking in Meghalaya can achieve, encouraging both established and emerging filmmakers to strive for excellence.
Does the “most viewed” film, short film, or music video genuinely reflect artistic merit? The introduction of an award for “most viewed” content prompts important questions about its criteria and whether high viewership translates to true creativity and quality. While popularity may signify audience engagement, it should not serve as the primary benchmark for artistic excellence. Many highly-viewed entries often lack narrative depth and exhibit subpar production quality, resembling casual home videos rather than polished cinematic achievements.
It would be wise for Hello Meghalaya to rethink its award criteria to prioritize creativity, originality, and technical proficiency. Shifting the focus to these elements would reinforce the platform’s credibility and inspire filmmakers to produce meaningful and impactful content. By setting higher standards, the platform can encourage creators to elevate their craft and deliver works that not only engage viewers but also contribute significantly to the artistic and cultural landscape.
Meghalaya’s film industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with a new generation of filmmakers redefining creative storytelling and raising the bar for technical excellence. As this thriving community continues to expand, there is an urgent need for platforms like Hello Meghalaya to take a proactive role in supporting and nurturing these emerging talents.
Filmmakers like Kamki Diengdoh, whose short film Nongshun—now streaming on Hello Meghalaya—exemplifies remarkable depth and originality, are at the forefront of the industry. Similarly, El Dhar and Sankirang Khongwir have produced exceptional works that have earned recognition at festivals, highlighting the immense talent in the region. Adding to this is Elvachisa Ch Sangma’s significant achievement at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), further solidifying Meghalaya’s potential on a larger platform. Beyond short films, many filmmakers are excelling in creating visually striking music videos, merging technical brilliance with compelling narratives. These projects not only demonstrate their artistic prowess but also signal their readiness to transition into feature filmmaking. However, this leap requires significant institutional backing, financial investment, and access to resources.
To harness Meghalaya’s creative potential, Hello Meghalaya must adopt a more inclusive and transparent approach, positioning itself as a transformative force in the region’s film industry. Establishing fair grant systems, equitable awards, and robust mentorship opportunities can empower filmmakers to confidently transition into larger cinematic ventures. Such structured support is essential not only for nurturing individual talent but also for building a thriving ecosystem that positions Meghalaya as a hub of creative excellence. By addressing current gaps and implementing rigorous guidelines for content selection and recognition, Hello Meghalaya can inspire future generations, set new benchmarks, and solidify the region’s status as a significant contributor to Indian cinema.