Shillong, March 18: The Government of Meghalaya has announced that the first edition of the Shillong International Film Festival 2026 will be held from March 25 to 27 at the State Convention Centre in Shillong.
Organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the three-day festival aims to transform the State Convention Centre into a hub for global cinema while positioning Meghalaya as an emerging destination for the international film fraternity. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the growth of the state’s creative economy.
The festival will focus on connecting local talent with global expertise by offering a platform for knowledge exchange. Masterclasses and workshops conducted by industry professionals will be organised to equip aspiring filmmakers with technical skills and encourage them to pursue careers in filmmaking without leaving the state.
The inaugural edition will showcase a mix of regional and local films. The lineup includes Ha Lyngkha Bneng by Pradip Kurbah (Meghalaya), Our Home (Eikhoigi Yum) by Romi Meitei (Manipur), Deepa Didi (The Housekeeper) by Surya Balakrishnan (Mumbai), Kok Kok Kokoook by Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap (Assam), Jingshemphang by Tyrell R Lyngdoh (Meghalaya), and Chanchisoa by Elvachisa Ch. Sangma and Dipankar Das (Meghalaya), among others.
Films from other Northeastern states such as Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and several productions from Meghalaya will also be screened during the festival. In addition, international films including “Impermanent Residents” by Tuan Huu Nguyen from Vietnam and “Agent of Happiness” by Arun Bhattarai from Bhutan will be featured, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
Addressing the media, Information and Public Relations Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the festival is expected to open new avenues for filmmakers and highlight Meghalaya’s scenic and cultural appeal as a filmmaking destination. He added that training sessions during the event will help nurture emerging filmmaking talent in the state.
During the announcement, the minister also unveiled the festival logo and launched its official website and trailer at a formal event attended by senior officials, including Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, and Director of Information and Public Relations B.S Sohliya, IAS.
As part of the programme, masterclasses will be conducted by Dominic Sangma on screenplay writing and Arnab Gayan on cinematography.
The festival will also feature a Student Short Film Competition, aimed at encouraging young filmmakers from schools, colleges, and universities across Meghalaya. Under the theme “Beyond Borders,” participants will explore ideas of identity, culture, connection, and shared human experiences through both fiction and non-fiction formats.
Selected student films will be screened during the festival, with winning entries becoming part of the official programme, helping to promote a vibrant film culture in the state.
In addition to film screenings, the event will promote economic opportunities through a Film Shooting Promotion initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and creating local employment opportunities in Meghalaya.
