SHILLONG:
It is highly unlikely that filmmaker Dominic Sangma will be able to attend the Cannes Film Festival even if his name is recommended by the state government.
Sources from the film fraternity, who are aware of the rules and regulations, said that the last date of registration is over, with April 26 being the deadline, considering that obtaining VISA and accreditation process are time-consuming affairs.
Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Information and Public Relations, chaired a meeting with stakeholders from Department of Arts & Culture, Information and Public Relations and Tourism on Tuesday wherein it was suggested that Sangma may be selected and his name be recommended to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to attend the Cannes Film Festival as there are reports that Nicholas Lemtor Kharkongor may have pulled out.
“Besides, I feel Dominic Sangma would find it even unethical and immoral to accept the offer after being sidelined earlier along with Pradip Kurbah,” a source said adding that the state government was probably trying to control damage after the controversy over who would represent the state at the festival broke out.
Earlier the DIPR had recommended the names of Kurbah and Sangma, but eventually Commander Shangpliang and Nicholas Lemtor Kharkongor’s names were finalised leading to an outcry.