Shillong, December 12 : Ha Lyngkha Bneng – The Elysian Field, the latest film by award-winning director Pradip Kurbah, was screened today at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. The event was organised by the Department of Mass Media in collaboration with Kurbah Films, Hello Meghalaya and Ka Knup Creatives.
Speaking about the film, Pradip Kurbah shared his reflections on the way audiences engage with his work, “Every person have their own way to look into the film. They have their own perspective. And I think it’s a great thing for me as a filmmaker. So it’s great learning experience.”
Grateful for the audience response, he added, “I am very happy. And I was surprised, in places where I thought people will never laugh, they were laughing out here. The message is, whenever the films gets released, I just want them to come and watch the film. I know the audience are very smart, with the coming of the OTT platforms, I hope they will accept this film.”
The film explores the journey of six individuals living in the quiet countryside – their longings, their bonds and the shifting relationships that define their lives.
The screening was attended by Paul Lyngdoh, Advisor to the Social Welfare Department. Reflecting on the film, he said,“It captures the essence of angst, of a society that lived on the verge of collapsing. Ultimately, it captures what is actually happening in contemporary Meghalaya.”
Renowned actor Melvin Mukhim, who stars in the film, also shared his experience of being part of the project since 2022., “The Elysian Field is more than a narrative. It is a reflection of identity, belonging and the unseen worlds that shape our understanding of life, rooted in Khasi imagination and philosophy. The film blends realism and mysticism, exploring the journey of the human spirit across landscapes both physical and divine. It is a film that honors our heritage while embracing a universal language of storytelling.”
The audience praised the film for its originality, its exploration of isolation, fear and death, and the moments of humour that sparked spontaneous laughter.
As one of the partners of the event, Hello Meghalaya! also continues to support the broader creative ecosystem in the state. Through its grant programme, the platform is helping filmmakers develop stories rooted in Meghalaya’s culture, landscapes and languages.
The Government of Meghalaya also recognises the value of films in showcasing to the world the rich cultural heritage, mesmerising natural landscape, and linguistic diversity. To support the growing creative economy of film making in the State, the government through the Hello Meghalaya OTT provides filmmakers with financial aid ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs. This year, grants have been awarded to 48 filmmakers, whose films are scheduled for release in the coming months.
The success of Ha Lyngkha Bneng – The Elysian Field — which recently won the Golden St. George for Best Film, Best Director, Best Director award at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) in November 2025, and the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the 2025 Moscow International Film Festival – is expected to encourage many more filmmakers who have received similar support. Several new films backed by the initiative are slated for release in the coming months, marking a promising period for cinema in Meghalaya.
