By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 18: Meghalaya is moving beyond being a mere backdrop for Bollywood productions to launching its own global cinematic platform. The state will host its inaugural International Film Festival from March 25 to 27, aimed at bridging the gap between rural storytellers and the global market.
Organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the three-day event at the State Convention Centre marks a shift toward building a formal “creative economy.” While Meghalaya’s filmmakers have long earned national acclaim, the festival seeks to address the lack of infrastructure by providing local talent with direct access to global expertise and technical training.
The festival’s lineup features 16 regional and local films, putting indigenous narratives at the forefront. Notable screenings include Pradip Kurbah’s Ha Lyngkha Bneng, Simi Kongthiang’s Ka Chithi, and Tyrell R Lyngdoh’s Jingshemphang. These will be screened alongside international works such as Impermanent Residents (Vietnam) and Agent of Happiness (Bhutan) to foster cross-cultural exchange.
To move beyond being a temporary showcase, the festival includes masterclasses designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with professional skills. Renowned filmmaker Dominic Sangma will lead a session on screenplay writing, while Arnab Gayan will conduct a workshop on cinematography.
Information and Public Relations Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who unveiled the festival logo, website, and trailer on Wednesday, stated that the initiative is expected to open new avenues for employment and promote the state’s cultural appeal.
“The festival is a step toward nurturing emerging talent and establishing Meghalaya as a destination for the international film fraternity,” Rymbui said.
A core component of the event is the Student Short Film Competition. Centered on the theme “Beyond Borders,” the segment invites students from schools and colleges across the state to explore identity and shared human experiences through fiction and non-fiction. Selected entries will be screened during the festival to provide young creators with professional exposure.
The event is also tied to a “Film Shooting Promotion” initiative, which the government hopes will generate local employment and boost tourism by incentivising international crews to film within the state.
