Raphael Warjri

Shillong, May 3, 2025:
In a landmark initiative to support local talent and strengthen Meghalaya’s growing film industry, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, along with the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, disbursed production grants under the Hello Meghalaya program. The event, held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, brought together filmmakers, artists, and cultural figures to celebrate storytelling and creativity.

The Chief Minister emphasized Meghalaya’s youthful demographic—nearly 50% of the population is under the age of 20—and highlighted the government's vision to create platforms that allow youth to thrive in creative sectors like filmmaking. “Our youth have tremendous potential. Through Hello Meghalaya, we are building the right ecosystem for them to express and excel,” he stated.

Grants were awarded in four categories:

• Category A: Six filmmakers received up to ₹35 lakhs each for full-length feature films.

• Category B: Eighteen filmmakers were granted up to ₹25 lakhs each for feature films.

• Category C: Four recipients were awarded ₹20 lakhs per episode to produce web series (minimum 10 episodes).

• Category D: Nineteen emerging filmmakers received up to ₹5 lakhs each for short films.

Tourism Minister Shri Paul Lyngdoh called the initiative a celebration of Meghalaya’s spirit and indigenous heritage, embracing the traditions of the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos. He invited filmmakers and citizens to contribute ideas for the upcoming Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy.

The event also featured the first look of Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field), a film by acclaimed director Pradip Kurbah and his team.

In a major push for regional collaboration, the government announced a Filmmaking Exchange Programme in partnership with the Film and Television Institute (FTI), Arunachal Pradesh. The program, led by award-winning director Dominic Sangma, will include masterclasses for 30 students—15 from Meghalaya and 15 from Arunachal Pradesh.

The event concluded with a vibrant 30-day film roadshow, flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister. This mobile initiative will tour districts across the state, showcasing films and raising awareness on social and cultural issues through screenings and interactive content.