1st Meghalaya International Film Festival concludes on a hopeful note

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 18: The first Meghalaya International Film Festival, an initiative of the Meghalaya Filmmakers’ Association (MeFilma), under the aegis of Founder President Commander Shangpliang and the Meghalaya Tourism drew its curtain today on an appreciating note with old classics and critically acclaimed films screened during the festival, attended by several film personalities from across the country, including guest countries.

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The festival that kickstarted on March 14, saw some best of the films being showcased during the 5-day film bonanza with enthusiastic and passionate cine-lovers thronging the venues to watch a few of these critically acclaimed classics much to their delight.

A cult film “Ka Synjuk Ri ki Laiphew Syiem (The Alliance of 30 Kings)” which is incidentally the first Khasi film was screened on the last day to make the festival more befitting. Another outstanding and critically acclaimed Vietnamese film “Kieu” was also showcased much to the delight of the cine enthusiasts. Director Cao Thai Ha and the Casting of “Kieu” received a warm welcome from the Meghalaya International Film Festival Organisers.

A few more films screened and garnered loads of enthusiasm are “Lorni “, “Ka Chithi”, “ING 156”, “14/8” along with “Kagaz ki Khasti”, “Anur”, “A Common Crime” and “Joon.”

An interesting screenwriting workshop “Changing narratives with women empowerment and strong female character” was organised on the penultimate day with a few notable film personalities and female entrepreneurs like Aruna Chakravorty, Anjali Patil and Barkha Bisht Sengupta adding colours to the proceedings moderated by Aditriye Dipika.

Minister of Information and Public Relations, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh graced the closing ceremony as Chief Guest, held at U Soso Tham auditorium and notable Bollywood actor, Sanjay Mishra graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Notable actor Sanjay Mishra said, “ It’s a beautiful beginning with lots of opportunities. Hoping that in a span of 10 years, this would be a prestigious film festival of the country.”

While speaking on the occasion, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Ampareen Lyngdoh mentioned, “On behalf of the Govt of Meghalaya we assure you that we will provide attention to talented people of the State, and we will invest a sizeable amount to support this unique ability of our people to naturally perform and host festival of this nature.” She also conveyed the message of the Chief Minister that the Government of Meghalaya wants to encourage and invest towards nurturing talents from this State and provide them with the right direction to excel in this field.

Thomas Sangma elected unopposed as Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 9: NPP legislator from North Tura Thomas Sangma has been elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly today.

Thomas filed his nomination on Tuesday. His candidature was proposed by Ampareen Lyngdoh and Marthon Sangma from the NPP and Paul Lyngdoh and Mayralborn Syiem from the UDP.

“Since there is no other nomination, Thomas will be formally elected on the 9th this Month in a special session in the House,” Assembly’s Commissioner & Secretary Andrew Simons had told reporters.

This was after the opposition parties decided not to field candidates for the election to the Speaker’s post.

The MDA-2 government has the support of 45 MLAs of which 26 are from NPP, 11 UDP, 2 BJP, 2 HSPDP, 2 PDF and 2 Independents.

The opposition bench on the other hand has a strength of 14 members which include 5 Congress, 5 All India Trinamool Congress and 4 Voice of the People Party.

Speaking over the phone on Wednesday, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said that his party has decided not to field a candidate for the Speaker’s post because “we don’t have the number”.

MDA 2.0 backs Thomas Sangma as Speaker

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: NPP leader and North Tura legislator Thomas A Sangma was today nominated as the candidate of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-2) for the post of Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

Thomas A Sangma has also filed his nominations before the Assembly’s Commissioner & Secretary Andrew Simons at the Assembly Secretariat for the upcoming Speaker’s election to be held on March 9.

“Wishing Sh. Thomas A Sangma, Speaker nominee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly the very best,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma tweeted.

Speaking to reporters, Thomas lauded the decision of the MDA-2 government led by Conrad Sangma to nominate him for the coveted post. He also thanked the previous government for giving him the opportunity to serve the people.

The MDA-2 government has the support of 45 MLAs of which 26 are from NPP, 11 UDP, 2 BJP, 2 HSPDP, 2 PDF and 2 Independents.

The opposition bench on the other hand has a strength of 14 members which include 5 Congress, 5 All India Trinamool Congress and 4 Voice of the People Party.