Shillong, June 3: Meghalaya today lit the fuse for a creative renaissance by unveiling a slew of initiatives under the Hello Meghalaya.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, the program featured the launch of the Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025, disbursement of grants to filmmakers, the announcement of a unique filmmaking exchange with Arunachal Pradesh, and the official handover of Ward’s Lake from the Department of Forest to the Department of Tourism. The event also saw the launch of the Tourism Buddy Programme and a flag-off ceremony for the Hello Meghalaya Road Show — a traveling celebration of local storytelling and artistic expression.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing a thriving cultural and creative economy through policy innovation and grassroots support.
“We believe our youth have immense potential,” he said. “This policy is about building an ecosystem where filmmakers and artists can flourish—not just within Meghalaya, but on the global stage.”
He also announced plans to establish a dedicated Film Institute in Meghalaya to build local capacity and attract national and international talent.
“It could be called the Conrad Film Institute—or anything else,” he said with a smile (on a lighter note). “The idea is serious: to create a hub where art, training, and opportunity converge.”
The event also honoured national award-winning filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, whose film Ha Lyngkha Bneng has gained international attention. The First Look of the film was unveiled to enthusiastic applause. Kurbah and his team were felicitated, and the moment doubled as inspiration for aspiring creators across the state.
Grants under the Hello Meghalaya initiative were distributed to a select group of local filmmakers. The program also introduced the first filmmaking exchange with the Film and Television Institute (FTI) in Arunachal Pradesh — a rare collaboration in India’s Northeast aimed at regional creative synergy.
Meanwhile Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, the Guest of Honour said while other departments focus on nutrition for the body, today we are talking about nutrition for the soul. He highlighted the transformative role of art in society. He celebrated the rise of local creators, including Pradip Kurbah and Dominic Sangma, whose works have garnered critical acclaim.
Lyngdoh emphasized inclusivity and accessibility, citing plans to build cinema halls in Shillong, Tura, and Jowai, supported under the CM Elevate program. “Earlier, there was a lack of platforms. Now, we are providing both digital and physical avenues for creators to shine,” he added.
The Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025 — in its draft stage — outlines incentives for filmmakers, including support for local talent, infrastructure development, and promotion of film festivals across the districts. Stakeholders have been invited to offer suggestions to strengthen the policy before finalisation.
The Tourism Minister concluded with a rousing call to action: “We don’t shy away from criticism, but we don’t dwell on it either. Our job is to move boldly, create fearlessly, and stay rooted in who we are.”
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