Shillong, March 25 Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the first Shillong International Film Festival and said the state is positioning itself as a hub of creativity and cinema.
Describing the festival as a celebration of storytelling and artistic expression, Sangma said it provides an important platform to showcase the talent of filmmakers and artists from Meghalaya and the Northeast.
"Glad to attend the 1st Shillong International Film Festival (SIFF), a festival that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the vibrant artistic spirit of Meghalaya and the North East," he said.
"The festival is a wonderful platform that showcases the immense talent of our filmmakers and artists and strengthens Meghalaya's identity as a hub of creativity. Happy to also have international films being screened in the 1st SIFF," the chief minister added.
Meghalaya has always appreciated the arts, and for years, the state's filmmakers and artists pursued their passion with limited support, driven by dedication and love for their craft, he said.
Highlighting the government's efforts, he said several initiatives have been taken in the last eight years to support the creative community.
"Over the last eight years, our government has taken meaningful steps to encourage and support our creative community," Sangma said.
He pointed out that "Hello Meghalaya", the government-backed OTT platform, was a key initiative, helping filmmakers gain recognition and get financial benefits for their work.
The chief minister also spoke about plans to further strengthen the film ecosystem in the state.
"The recent approval for the Shillong Film City by the state Cabinet and our vision to establish a film institute reflect our commitment to nurturing talent and positioning Meghalaya as a leading destination for cinema and artistic expression," he said.
Sangma also presented awards to filmmakers and prominent film personalities during the inaugural programme, officials said.