Shillong, March 19: Meghalaya is set to host the inaugural Shillong International Film Festival from March 25 to 27, marking a significant step in positioning the state on the global cinema landscape.
Organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the three-day festival will be held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The venue will host film screenings, panel discussions and industry interactions, with the broader aim of attracting international filmmakers and strengthening the state’s creative economy.
The festival will focus on bridging local talent with global expertise through a series of masterclasses and workshops conducted by industry professionals. These sessions are intended to equip aspiring filmmakers with technical skills and practical exposure while encouraging them to explore opportunities within the state.
The screening lineup features a diverse mix of regional and local cinema, including Ha Lyngkha Bneng by Pradip Kurbah, Our Home (Eikhoigi Yum) by Romi Meitei, Deepa Didi (The Housekeeper), and Kok Kok Kokoook. Other entries include films such as Jingshemphang, Chanchisoa, Maimizial, Ade, Shape of Momo, Ka Chithi, By the Home, Nongshun, Roots Renewed, Ahor, Tang Shiteng Por and Kñi, showcasing voices from across the Northeast.
International participation will include screenings of Impermanent Residents by Vietnamese filmmaker Tuan Huu Nguyen and Agent of Happiness by Bhutanese director Arun Bhattarai, fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Information and Public Relations Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the festival is expected to open new avenues for filmmakers while promoting Meghalaya as a preferred filming destination. He also highlighted that the planned training sessions would help nurture emerging talent in the state. The event also saw the unveiling of the festival logo, along with the launch of its official website and trailer, in the presence of senior officials including Vijay Kumar Mantri and B S Sohliya.
As part of the programme, filmmaker Dominic Sangma will conduct a masterclass on screenplay writing, while cinematographer Arnab Gayan will lead a session on cinematography.
The festival will also introduce a “Film Shooting Promotion” initiative aimed at boosting tourism and generating local employment through film production activities.
A key highlight will be the Student Short Film Competition, open to students across Meghalaya. Centred on the theme “Beyond Borders,” the competition invites participants to explore identity, culture and shared human experiences through fiction and non-fiction formats. Selected entries will be screened during the festival, with winning films forming part of the official programme.
