Shillong: The first edition of the Shillong International Film Festival will be held from March 25 to 27 at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, with the directorate of information and public relations positioning the event as a push to place Meghalaya on the global cinema map.Officials said the festival is intended to help establish Meghalaya as a preferred destination for the international film fraternity while strengthening the state’s creative economy.The event will focus on linking local talent with global expertise through knowledge-sharing sessions and industry interaction.“A series of master-classes and workshops led by industry professionals will be conducted to equip aspiring filmmakers with technical skills, enabling them to pursue opportunities in filmmaking without leaving the state,” says an official.The inaugural edition will spotlight regional and local cinema alongside international films, including ‘Impermanent Residents’ by Tuan Huu Nguyen of Vietnam and Arun Bhattarai’s ‘Agent of Happiness’ from Bhutan, in an effort to encourage cross-cultural exchange.State information and public relations minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the festival could create fresh opportunities for filmmakers while showcasing Meghalaya’s scenic and cultural strengths as a filming destination.“Training sessions during the event will help nurture emerging talent, contributing to the growth of a vibrant film culture in the state. The festival will also promote economic opportunities through a film shooting promotion initiative aimed at boosting tourism and generating local employment,” the minister informed.A student short film competition will form a dedicated segment of the festival, aimed at encouraging young filmmakers from across Meghalaya.Open to students from schools, colleges and universities, the competition is expected to offer a platform for emerging storytellers to use cinema as a medium of expression.The festival will be held under the theme ‘Beyond Borders’, inviting participants to engage with ideas of identity, culture, connection, landscape and shared human experiences.₠
