
SHILLONG: The Khasi film "Ha LyngkhaBneng" (The Elysian Field), directed by Pradip Kurbah, has unlocked a new milestone by qualifying for the main competition at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF). The renowned festival, one of the oldest in the world, will be held in Moscow from April 17 to April 24, 2025, with a lineup of international cinema.
The film's journey began in 2020 when it was recognized at the Asian Project Market in Busan, South Korea, and the Co-Production Market at Film Bazaar, organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India. These early accolades underscored the film's potential and facilitated its development.
Shot over two years in and around Sohra, Meghalaya, Ha LyngkhaBneng documents the land's breathtaking sceneries and cultural diversity in all four seasons. Directed by Kurbah Films in partnership with a few collaborators, Ha LyngkhaBneng boasts an excellent cast led by Richard Kharpuri, Helena Duiia, and Baia Marbaniang.
The story examines community, loneliness, and the strength of human relationships in a community that is threatened with urban migration. It depicts friendship as a key to survival with a strong portrayal of the human spirit's resilience.
The selection of the film at MIFF not only elevates the status of Khasi cinema but also brings to the forefront the rich diversity of stories emerging from Northeast India, a landmark in the global acceptance of Indian cinema.
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