By The Editor
Film industry was quite unknown and unheard of in the state during these last few decades except for some young, talented and dynamic personalities who courageously took the initiative of making a beginning. Gradually they were able to make good progress and soon more joined which eventually led to the formation of the Meghalaya film industry. With relentless efforts and not losing heart either these bright entrepreneurs marched ahead determined to achieve success which finally became true. The first ever five-day international film festival was held from March 14 to 18 in Shillong to provide awareness about importance of films and thus attract potential youths to the film industry. The objective of the film festival was to enhance rich  tribal cultures of North East (NE) India and to showcase diverse customary practices of its indigenous people while at the same time be able to promote tourism. If film industry thrives and flourishes it will surely be able to open its doors for employment opportunities to gifted and talented young boys and girls.
In a first for Meghalaya the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), had proposed the names of national award-winning filmmakers Pradip Kurbah and Dominic Sangma to represent the state at the Cannes Film Festival scheduled from May 16 to 27 in France. Subsequently, however, it was announced that filmmakers Commander Shangpliang and Nicholas Kharkongor will represent the state. Consequently, there was confusion at such changes and that too with little time to spare. In the light of controversy Nicholas Kharkongor on May 4 decided to pull his name out of the event. Kharkongor now based in Mumbai, is doing quite well in filmmaking and on his future plans he said that he will try and make films in Mumbai and use actors from Meghalaya for his projects. He is very optimistic hoping that  he may be able to get the chance and honour to represent Meghalaya another time. Meanwhile his film Ka Dewlynnong (The Island) was shot entirely in Meghalaya with actors Albert Mawrie, Elizer Bareh and Sweety Pala among others. Kharkongor has won the national award for best feature film The Ship of Theseus in 2013 and another film Tumbbad was the first Indian film in the critics’week section at the 75th International Film Festival in 2018.
In view of the above incidents the state government has decided to set up a selection committee headed by chief secretary for selection of persons to attend national or international film festivals on basis of merit. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Minister, Information and Public Relations Ampareen Lyngdoh with all stakeholder relevant departments.