Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday announced that the State government is planning to set up a film city and a film institute as part of efforts to promote Meghalaya as a major filmmaking hub.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Shillong Film Festival at the State Convention Centre, he said the Cabinet has already approved the proposal for a film city and a suitable location has been identified.
The Chief Minister said the aim is to build a strong ecosystem that will attract filmmakers and project Meghalaya as a leading destination for film and creative industries in the Northeast.
Sangma added that the government is focusing not only on infrastructure but also on strengthening skills by providing technical training and professional support to local talent, including those working in cinematography, sound, lighting, and other key areas behind the scenes.
He said initiatives like the film festival, along with concerts and other cultural events, are part of a larger vision to develop a sustainable creative economy in the state.
In the same vein, State Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the festival serves as an important platform to promote storytelling and filmmaking. He noted that although the industry had slowed down in the past, it has seen a revival in the last decade with increasing participation from young and creative individuals.
Rymbui said filmmaking in Meghalaya dates back to 1981 and highlighted the contributions of filmmakers such as Pradeep Kurbah and Dominic Sangma in taking the industry forward.
He also encouraged youth to take advantage of the festival, which features workshops on filmmaking and screenplay writing, along with a short film competition.
The three-day festival has attracted entries from across the Northeast, other parts of India, and abroad, showcasing Meghalaya’s growing presence in the film sector while also promoting its culture and tourism potential.