Shillong, Apr 3: In a significant honour for Khasi film industry, a Khasi-language film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field) directed by award-winning filmmaker Pradip Kurbah has been selected for the main competition at the prestigious 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) in 2025.
The selection has placed the film among a distinguished selection of global cinema showcased at 90-year-old film festival to be held from April 17 to 24.
Ha Lyngkha Bneng will thus get the chance of being witnessed by some of the finest filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe.
In 2020, the Khasi film was selected for both the Asian Project Market in Busan, South Korea, and the Co-Production Market at Film Bazaar, organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India.
Filmed in and around Sohra for two years, Ha Lyngkha Bneng captured the essence of all four seasons, showcasing the region’s mesmerizing landscapes and cultural depth.
Ha Lyngkha Bneng features a stellar ensemble cast, including Richard Kharpuri, Helena Duiia, Baia Marbaniang, Albert Mawriew, Merlvin Mukhim, and Jeetesh Sharma.
It was produced by Kurbah Films in association with Hello Meghalaya, Pomus New Horizons, Ka Knup Creatives, and Cat N Mouse Entertainment.
Set in a secluded village gradually deserted due to urban migration, Ha Lyngkha Bneng paints a poignant portrait of friendship as a means of survival.
The film delves into profound themes of community, loneliness, and the enduring strength of human connections.
Through shared moments of grief, longing, and companionship, the narrative explores the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds that define us.
In recent years, cinema from India’s Northeast has gained visibility on global platforms, and Ha Lyngkha Bneng ‘s inclusion in the Main Competition at MIFF further cements the region’s growing cinematic influence.
The film’s inclusion in the Main Competition underscores the potential of Khasi cinema and its ability to forge connections through its universal themes of resilience, belonging, and the fundamental need for human connection.
This milestone not only elevates Khasi cinema but also brings global attention to the diverse and deeply rooted narratives emerging from Northeast India.
Award-winning filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, who is known for his evocative storytelling and commitment to indigenous narratives, continues to push the boundaries of regional cinema.
His work sheds light on lesser-seen perspectives, bridging cultural gaps and bringing the essence of Khasi life to a global audience.
