In what is being described as a long-pending and path breaking initiative for Meghalaya’s film ecosystem, Shillong is set to host the 1st Shillong International Film Festival (SIFF) from March 25 to 27 at the State Convention Centre, bringing together a diverse line-up of local, regional, Hindi and international cinema, including two international films, while positioning the state as an emerging hub for filmmaking and creative exchange. The festival, seen as a significant cultural milestone, aims to showcase Meghalaya’s cinematic potential alongside entries from across the North East, the rest of the country and abroad. Information and Public Relations Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday unveiled the SIFF logo and launched the official website and trailer during a formal programme attended by the Commissioner and Secretary as well as the Director of Information and Public Relations, Government of Meghalaya.
The three-day festival will feature multiple components, including screenings and capacity-building initiatives, with a strong focus on training budding filmmakers and familiarising participants with the processes of filmmaking and editing. Emphasising Meghalaya’s unique culture, topography and scenic landscape as a natural advantage for cinema, the minister said the initiative is expected to open new avenues for filmmakers while ensuring smooth execution of all festival activities. Talking to media persons in Shillong, Lahkmen Rymbui said, “This year the Government of Meghalaya through DIPR is organising Shillong International Film festival on March 25 to 27 2026. This is past breaking because many things has to follow after this. In this festival there are so many components, firstly, there are so many entries from other parts of the country, other parts of North East and also from outside the country which will be screened at the film festival to be held at the state convention centre in Shillong. Why the state Government is organising this festival, as you know Meghalaya is blessed with unique culture, unique topography, geography and the tourist spots, beautiful landscape in Meghalaya itself is a tourist spots which enables the people all over the country and across the world to come and shoot films.”
He further added, “As you know the film making in Meghalaya is not recent….. there are so many budding artists and the budding film makers, and during these three days we will give training to budding film makers on film making.”
