Shillong, May 3, 2025: In a landmark event for Meghalaya’s creative industry, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, distributed grants to local filmmakers under the transformative Hello Meghalaya initiative. The ceremony, held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, marked a significant step toward fostering a vibrant cinematic ecosystem in the state.

The event was graced by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma as Chief Guest, alongside Hon’ble Tourism Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh as Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS (Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism), Shri Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, IAS (Director, Tourism), Shri Harish Choudhary, IFS (Principal Conservator of Forest), Shri Robert Lyngdoh (Chief Administrative Officer, Meghalayan Age Limited), and various content creators and filmmakers.

In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted Meghalaya’s youthful demographic—almost 50% of its population is under 20—and emphasized the need to nurture this potential through creative platforms. “We believe that our youth have much potential, and they can do many things. Platforms like Hello Meghalaya provide the right opportunities,” he said.

Grant Categories and Support:
The Hello Meghalaya grant is structured into four categories:

Category A: ₹35 lakhs each for 6 nominated filmmakers to produce feature films.

Category B: ₹25 lakhs each for 18 filmmakers for feature film production.

Category C: ₹20 lakhs per episode for 4 web series projects (minimum 10 episodes, 30–40 minutes each).

Category D: ₹5 lakhs each for 19 emerging filmmakers to create short films.

Tourism Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh praised the initiative for advancing the film fraternity and preserving the indigenous cultures of the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos. He also invited public input on the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy.

The event featured the first look of Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mr. Pradip Kurbah, adding excitement to the occasion.

New Filmmaking Exchange Programme:
A new Filmmaking Exchange Programme was also announced, in collaboration with the Film and Television Institute (FTI), Arunachal Pradesh. Spearheaded by award-winning director Mr. Dominic Sangma, the program will include masterclasses and mentorship for 30 students, 15 from each of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

30-Day Statewide Film Roadshow:
The event concluded with the flag-off of a 30-day statewide film roadshow, led by the Chief Minister. The roadshow will promote regional films, highlight critical social themes, and engage audiences across Meghalaya’s districts.