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Department:
Information & Public Relations Department
Title: Shillong Hosts First International Film Festival, Honours Film Personalities
Press Release Number:
25/03/2026
Description:
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma described the launch as a proud milestone for the state, noting that the festival in 2026 fulfilled a long-standing vision. He said the initiative aims to provide a much-needed platform and ecosystem for talented youth, enabling them to showcase their creative abilities.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage, Sangma said storytelling and tradition are deeply embedded in the identity of its people. He emphasised that the film industry holds vast potential for employment generation—not only for actors and filmmakers but also in technical and allied sectors involved in production.
He further stated that the festival forms part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable creative ecosystem in the state. With nearly half of Meghalaya’s population below the age of 20, he stressed the need for continuous innovation and expansion of opportunities to meet the aspirations of the younger generation.
Referring to key government initiatives, Sangma mentioned the launch of a state-run OTT platform to support local creators, financial assistance for filmmakers, and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (MGMP), which has enabled thousands of artists to earn livelihoods through performances. He also revealed that the government has approved a proposal for a film city and is planning to establish a film institute to provide technical training and professional support.
He underscored that the government’s approach is holistic and stakeholder-driven, aimed at long-term growth rather than isolated schemes. According to him, the festival represents a step towards positioning Meghalaya as a leading hub for filmmaking and creative industries in the Northeast.
Sangma also urged stakeholders to work collectively and share ideas to strengthen the festival in the years ahead, expressing hope that it would evolve into a major international attraction
Highlighting Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage, Sangma said storytelling and tradition are deeply embedded in the identity of its people. He emphasised that the film industry holds vast potential for employment generation—not only for actors and filmmakers but also in technical and allied sectors involved in production.
He further stated that the festival forms part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable creative ecosystem in the state. With nearly half of Meghalaya’s population below the age of 20, he stressed the need for continuous innovation and expansion of opportunities to meet the aspirations of the younger generation.
Referring to key government initiatives, Sangma mentioned the launch of a state-run OTT platform to support local creators, financial assistance for filmmakers, and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (MGMP), which has enabled thousands of artists to earn livelihoods through performances. He also revealed that the government has approved a proposal for a film city and is planning to establish a film institute to provide technical training and professional support.
He underscored that the government’s approach is holistic and stakeholder-driven, aimed at long-term growth rather than isolated schemes. According to him, the festival represents a step towards positioning Meghalaya as a leading hub for filmmaking and creative industries in the Northeast.
Sangma also urged stakeholders to work collectively and share ideas to strengthen the festival in the years ahead, expressing hope that it would evolve into a major international attraction
Released Date:
25 Mar 2026
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