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.

2nd time Meghalaya legislator Mayralborn vows to pursue Nongpoh’s pending issues

Correspondent

Nongpoh, March 8:  The second-time legislator from the Nongpoh constituency, Mayralborn Syiem has vowed to pursue the pending issues in the constituency.

While talking to the Meghalaya Times, he said that the issues include the Inclusion of the Khasi language in the eighth schedules of the constitution, the inauguration of the Industrial Training Institute at Nongkhrah, a medical college, improvement of the health sector, C&RD Block at Umden, improvement of the road sector as well as the unemployment issues and some other the issues as well.

Syiem said that Ri Bhoi being selected as one of 112 Aspirational Districts in the country, there is a high chance that even the government of India will consider it as most of the Aspirational Districts in the country have got one so far.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Nongpoh constituency for his win in the recently concluded election, Mayralborn Syiem said “I would like to thank the party workers, the people of Nongpoh constituency for their wholehearted support in the recently concluded election, I expressed my gratitude to all those who have supported me and even more to those who have not supported me.

He said that it is not an easy job to fulfil the aspirations of the people, but despite the fact of being in the opposition for the last term, he has tried his best and now he is a part of the ruling government, Syiem hopes that all will go well for the benefit of the people at large.

“I will try to work harder and I urged my people to remember me in their prayers as I try to fulfil their dreams and aspirations’ Syiem said.

He also urged the people to extend their full support for the betterment and all-round development.