Pradip Kurbah’s Ha Lyngkha Bneng to compete at Moscow Int’l Film Festival

SHILLONG, April 6: Acclaimed Khasi filmmaker Pradip Kurbah’s latest film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field) has been officially selected for the Main Competition at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF), scheduled to take place from April 17 to 24. The world premiere of the film is set for April 23.
Shot in and around the scenic landscapes of Sohra, Meghalaya, Ha Lyngkha Bneng is an exploration of community, isolation, and human connection. Set in a village gradually abandoned due to urban migration, the story revolves around how friendship becomes a means of survival for those left behind.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Kurbah spoke about the importance of emotional depth and cultural authenticity in cinema. “The main thing is emotions when it comes to films. Khasi filmmakers should be rooted in their own culture and tell their own stories,” he said.
The movie is a full length feature film, and is the only Indian film for this year’s festival, alongside another film in the documentary category from Assam.
The film, which took nearly two years to complete, began production in 2022 and wrapped up in 2024, with Kurbah deliberately capturing all four seasons to reflect the passage of time and the evolving emotional landscape of the story.
Ha Lyngkha Bneng first garnered attention in 2020 when it was selected for the Asian Project Market in Busan and the Co-Production Market at India’s Film Bazaar. Produced under the banner of Kurbah Films in collaboration with several partners, including Hello Meghalaya — whose involvement as a co-producer proved crucial in completing the project — the film features a powerful ensemble cast that include Richard Kharpuri, Helena Duiia, Baia Marbaniang, Albert Mawriew, Merlvin Mukhim, and Jeetesh Sharma.
Kurbah, known for showcasing indigenous narratives, continues to bring the culture and traditions of Meghalaya to the global stage. “The Khasi film industry is still in a nascent stage, but we’re slowly making our mark,” he said, adding that a local screening in Shillong will be planned after the film travels to a few more festivals. “We want our local audience to see what they have helped us create.”