The State Cabinet on Thursday approved the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy, 2025, to transform Meghalaya into a premier filmmaking destination while enhancing infrastructure to support the industry.
“The Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy seeks to focus on the fact that the state has huge potential to attract film makers from across the world,” Minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh informed reporters after the Cabinet.
He said that the government would like to promote national and international films, media productions and also to establish Meghalaya as a hub for film making in the northeast.
This policy will also help to develop a robust infrastructure across the state, he said.
The draft version of the policy was first unveiled three months ago by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Lyngdoh. Since then, the government had invited suggestions from various stakeholders, and more than 200 responses—mainly from local filmmakers and producers—were reviewed and incorporated.
Lyngdoh also informed that a dedicated Film Facilitation Cell has been formed, comprising representatives from Tourism, Arts & Culture, DIPR, and other departments to coordinate efforts and promote Meghalaya as a premier film destination—regionally, nationally, and internationally.
He said that this cell will synergise the efforts (of all stakeholders) and ensure all are able to work in tandem to project Meghalaya as a major destination for movies – regional, national and international.
Lyngdoh also said that films made in major national and international languages which have the potential to push Meghalaya’s tourism sector will receive subsidy support of Rs. 1 crore or 25 per cent of the total cost of the film.
Lyngdoh however said that to qualify for it the film makers need to have at least 75 per cent of the shooting days within the state and that too outdoors.
“They should depict/project our natural beauty, tourism destinations both known and unknown,” the government spokesperson said.
He also informed that local language films in Khasi and Garo will get a subsidy of Rs. 50 lakhs and would be available once every two years per filmmaker.
On television and OTT content, he said that subsidies would be available for production of TV serials, web series, and original OTT shows made in Meghalaya and also for documentaries and short films, grants will be provided if shot in Meghalaya.
