Shillong:
In a first for Meghalaya, filmmakers Commander Shangpliang and Nicholas Kharkongor will represent the state at the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 16 to 27 in France.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting proposed their names in an effort to send film fraternities from North East India for an exposure trip and to enhance the inclusivity of India’s film fraternities.
Two filmmakers from each state have been selected for the festival.
Notable names include Mayanglambamromi Meitei and Ashok Veilou from Manipur; Kivini Shohe and Carol Andrea Zharieno Tongtirepla Kevichusa from Nagaland; Nyago Ete and Millo Sunka from Arunachal Pradesh, among others.
Earlier, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Meghalaya, had proposed the names of national award-winning filmmakers, Pradip Kurbah and Dominic Sangma, for the festival.
Speaking on his selection, Shangpliang said, “This is an exposure trip for us so that we can watch films from the world and observe the ways in which cinemas have developed and continue to develop globally.”
On a possible confusion regarding who will represent the state at Cannes, senior officials of DIPR said, “This is a huge moment for us. While we propose names, the final decision rests with the Centre on who they think should attend the Cannes Film Festival.”