Editor,
The recently concluded Shillong International Film Festival is a welcome and much-needed initiative for Meghalaya. As highlighted in its vision, the festival aims to create a platform for cinematic exchange, celebrate regional and global storytelling, and nurture a film culture within the state. Such intent is both timely and important, especially in a region where access to diverse cinema remains limited. It was heartening to see audiences gathering over three days to engage with films beyond mainstream viewing.
Screenings of films such as The Shape of Momo from Sikkim, Kok Kok Kokook from Assam, and Our Home from Manipur brought depth and perspective to the festival, reflecting the strength and sensitivity of storytelling emerging from the Northeast and beyond. These selections demonstrated what a well-curated festival experience can offer films that stay with you, provoke thought, and open conversations.
However, this promising beginning also raises certain concerns that merit attention.
More importantly, the curation of local films requires serious reflection. A festival, especially one that aspires to be international, carries the responsibility of presenting the best of its region. Unfortunately, some of the local films screened, including Ahor and Kni, were clearly below the standard expected of a festival platform. When placed alongside stronger regional works, the disparity became evident. Such selections not only dilute the overall quality of the festival but also risk misrepresenting the true potential of local cinema to visiting filmmakers and audiences.
If the intention was to highlight local content, the selection process needed to be more thoughtful and rigorous. The fact that some of the films are already available on platforms like Hello Meghalaya further raises questions about programming choices. If such films are to be included, they must represent the finest work available, not merely fill slots within the schedule.
Curation is the backbone of any credible film festival. It is not simply about assembling films but about creating a cohesive cinematic experience that reflects vision, understanding, and sensitivity. This responsibility lies heavily on the curator, who must approach the task with seriousness, awareness, and a clear sense of what constitutes festival-worthy cinema.
Another concerning aspect was the lack of basic festival etiquette. Instances of screenings being stopped before the end credits had rolled reflect a disregard for the craft and effort of filmmakers. Such practices undermine the dignity of the work being presented and fall short of the standards expected from an event that identifies itself as an international film festival.
If the IPR Department, Government of Meghalaya, is truly committed to building a meaningful and respected film festival ecosystem, it is essential to involve experienced professionals in the process. Individuals who have attended, programmed, or participated in national and international festivals bring with them a deeper understanding of curation, audience engagement, and the ethos of festival culture. Their involvement would ensure that the festival evolves with credibility and purpose.
The Shillong International Film Festival is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. But for it to grow into a platform of significance, it must be guided by informed choices, respect for cinema, and a commitment to quality.
Yours etc.,
Bamutlang Nongpiur,
Via email
The Epstein Files Fallout
Editor,
Without a second thought, I believe people everywhere stand in firm solidarity with Salil Gewali in response to his recent letter on the Epstein Files. People across the world, I firmly feel, join him in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous acts exposed through the Epstein files—acts that have shockingly implicated individuals once held in the highest esteem and admiration.
What has now come to light through the disclosures linked to Jeffrey Epstein is not just a list of crimes. It is power stripped of conscience. The most unbearable truth is that children—defenceless and innocent—were reduced to objects of sadistic gratification. This is not scandal. This is evil. The rage people feel today is not only because of one man’s crimes. It comes from the sickening thought that well-known figures—people seen as leaders and role models—may have moved around, helped, or gained from a system built on abuse. When figures we admired fall, they do not fall alone; they destroy the trust of many who still believed in decency.
Salil Gewali’s anguish gives voice to this shared pain. His pain is the pain of thinking of a child’s tears ignored their screams unheard. It is the grief of knowing that some victims lived with their trauma for so long and so silently that death seemed kinder than living. These are crimes that do not end with trials; they leave scars for generations.
Melinda French Gates spoke a simple truth: no girl should ever be subjected to such horror, and that truth must never be compromised. As accusations are now being discussed openly, even when they involve people at the highest levels of power, one thing must remain clear—justice must be fair, but it must not be softened or silenced. When guilt is established, justice must stand firm. Many have been deeply shaken by the mention of people long seen as moral or intellectual voices—names once spoken with reverence rather than suspicion. Whatever courts finally decide, the shock alone is devastating. It reminds us that eloquence and fame can exist alongside moral decay, and that blind admiration is dangerous.
Institutions cannot escape scrutiny either. The United States Department of Justice and every authority responsible for justice must act without fear or favour. If evidence exists, it must not be hidden, weakened, or delayed. When justice fears power, it stops being justice.
In joining Salil Gewali’s call, I urge people everywhere to rise in angry, unrelenting protest against crimes committed against children. This cannot be allowed to fade as a momentary headline. Crimes against children must be treated as the rarest of crimes, deserving the harshest punishment once guilt is established. Anything less betrays the future.
This moment will judge us. History will remember whether we looked away, or whether we stood up—loud and unafraid. Let our condemnation be loud and clear. Let our empathy be real. Let our demand for justice not fade. If we fail now, we risk surrendering civilisation itself to darkness.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
