Emphasising that the government is keen to see a film institute come up in Meghalaya, even as it moves to create a robust film industry ecosystem with growing private sector interest, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday signalled a calibrated push to institutionalise Meghalaya’s creative economy through infrastructure development, policy backing and platform expansion.
The policy thrust, aligned with the broader objective of strengthening the creative economy, comes alongside recent interventions such as the State’s film policy rollout, the push for an OTT platform and the hosting of the inaugural Shillong International Film Festival, indicating a multi-pronged approach to sectoral expansion.
The first edition of the Shillong International Film Festival commenced at the State Convention Centre, organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), marking a significant step towards promoting filmmaking and creative expression in Meghalaya. The festival drew participation from filmmakers, officials, students and aspiring artists, particularly youth seeking to explore emerging opportunities in the film industry. The opening ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, IPR Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, Commissioner and Secretary of IPR Vijay Kumar Mantri, Lokayukta Chairperson C.P. Marak, Director of DIPR B.S. Sohliya, among other dignitaries.
“Apart from the Film policy that we have come out recently, Apart from the OTG platform and this film festival that we having. We are also ensuring that we taking steps towards creating solid infrastructure in terms of having film industry where we have private sector that are shown interest in doing so. It is still a very, very nascent stage, so it will take some time, but we have started our groundwork. We hope that we’ll be able to initiate it soon. And also very, very keen to see a film Institute come up. Also, we are very keen to see that it’s a very integral part of the overall ecosystem. But again, these are very big projects, very large projects projects that require a lot of thought, lot of talent. And also, a lot of financial, commitment. And so we have to see how we’ll move forward. But then everything starts with the thought, with the dream With the vision. And we have that desire to see that both these projects should come up in the future,” Sangma said while addressing the gathering.
Framing the initiative within a long-term economic narrative, Sangma underscored the role of institutional support and platform-building in unlocking the potential of the State’s youth-driven creative sector.
“The first shillong International Film Festival is being organised by DIPR and this is very much in line With our target to promote the creative economy, and the creative sector, which will of course, add overall value, focus on the strengths that our talented youth have and at the same time, contribute to the, overall growth of the economy and therefore the overall platform and ecosystem for that is required. So, apart from many other activities that we’re doing this particular activity is a part of the larger goal and larger narrative that we’re trying to create. And I’m very happy to see the kind of response that we have received, Many, many people and filmmakers from different parts have come. it’s a humble beginning but we do hope that in the days and in the years to come that this Film Festival will grow Bigger and bigger in the future.”
