SHILLONG: The Shillong International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 officially kicked off today in the state capital, sparking a new wave of hope for aspiring filmmakers and creative youth across Meghalaya.
Organized by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), this landmark event marks the first time in the state’s history that such a platform has been provided to promote scriptwriting, acting, and modern cinematography.
Inaugurating the festival, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized that this event is merely the beginning of a larger mission. Highlighting the state’s demographic advantage, the Chief Minister noted that nearly 50% of Meghalaya’s population is under the age of 20.
“We must create sustainable livelihood opportunities through your inherent talent and skills,” the Chief Minister stated.
The Chief Minister shared several key infrastructure updates aimed at boosting the local creative economy:
Film City: The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Film City to transform Shillong into the premier “Film Hub” of the Northeast.
Film Institute: The government plans to set up a dedicated Film Institute to provide professional training, ensuring a skilled local workforce and reducing dependency on outside professionals.
OTT Platform: Meghalaya is the first state to launch its own OTT platform to provide a global stage for local filmmakers, videographers, and documentary makers.
Drawing parallels with other creative sectors, Sangma revealed that ₹35–40 crore has already been disbursed to over 7,000 musicians through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program. He further shared plans for a massive 40,000-capacity football stadium designed to host world-renowned bands like Def Leppard or Scorpions, showcasing Meghalaya’s readiness to host global events.
Minister of IPR and Education, Lahkmen Rymbui, urged the youth to seize the opportunities being provided.
“The government has paved the way across all departments—from screenplay writing to full-scale production. Youth should no longer complain about a lack of opportunities to refine their skills,” Rymbui remarked.
He pointed to the massive commercial success of Indian cinema—citing films that earn upwards of ₹953 crore—as an inspiration for the youth to contribute toward Meghalaya’s ambitious goal of becoming a $10 Billion Economy. He also paid tribute to the pioneers of Meghalaya’s film industry who laid the foundation as far back as 1981.
The three-day festival will serve as a vibrant platform for school students and youth, featuring:
Technical Workshops: Hands-on training in various aspects of filmmaking.
Short Film Competitions: A space for local creators to showcase their work and compete.
