SHILLONG — The Government of Meghalaya on Tuesday unveiled the draft Meghalaya Film Tourism and Creative Media Policy 2025, inviting public feedback as it sets out to position the state as a vibrant hub for film production and creative storytelling.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, addressing the launch at the Hello Meghalaya programme in Shillong, also flagged off the Hello Meghalaya Road Show — a mobile LED initiative that will tour the state, screening films, showcasing content, and raising awareness on key issues.
“This is the draft, and we wanted to showcase it because we want feedback from you,” said Chief Minister Sangma. “Please tell us the areas where you feel things should change or improve. We may not be able to incorporate everything, but we will do our best to include your ideas and thoughtful processes so that we can ultimately come up with a very robust policy.”
The Chief Minister outlined the government’s broader vision to build a sustainable film ecosystem in Meghalaya that attracts both national and international filmmakers. “It’s not about giving cookies to a few filmmakers. This is about creating an ecosystem. We want filmmakers to come to Shillong and know that everything — trained talent, infrastructure, equipment — is already in place,” he said.
Sangma also revealed plans to establish a dedicated film institute in the state. “I’m very keen that we do this. Whether we call it the Meghalaya Film Institute or Shillong Film Institute — the name doesn’t matter. It will be a focal point to nurture talent and become a hub for creative activities,” he added.
To bolster the state’s cinematic infrastructure, Sangma highlighted the CM Elevate scheme, which offers 35–40% funding support for individuals or entities establishing movie theatres. He also expressed interest in mobile theatres and regular international film festivals in Meghalaya.
“Let us know how we can support local filmmakers more. We’re here to listen. If you don’t tell us, we won’t know,” Sangma urged, appealing directly to the creative community to share their challenges and aspirations.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, the Hello Meghalaya event also honoured acclaimed filmmakers Pradip Kurbah and Dominic Sangma. The first look of Kurbah’s internationally lauded film Ha Lyngkha Bneng was unveiled, receiving enthusiastic applause. Kurbah and his team were felicitated during the ceremony.
The programme featured a series of major announcements: the launch of the Tourism Buddy Programme, the handover of Ward’s Lake from the Forest Department to Tourism, and a filmmaking exchange initiative with Arunachal Pradesh.
In a major boost to local storytellers, the government disbursed Hello Meghalaya creative grants ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹35 lakh, empowering emerging and established filmmakers to bring their visions to life.
With the policy draft open for public review, Meghalaya is now inviting its creative minds — from behind the camera to the editing suite — to help script the state’s cinematic future.
