From shadows to spotlight: Why Simi Khongtiang must have your attention

Simi Khongtiang’s victory at the Prag Cine Awards was a moment she had dreamed of but never quite dared to believe would happen.

As she stepped onto the stage, the glare of the cameras momentarily blinding her, she felt a surge of emotions unlike any other. It was as if the weight of her journey, the countless hours of dedication, and the silent struggles she had faced had all culminated in this single, electrifying moment.

“I lost track of everyone around,” she recalled, her voice tinged with disbelief as she recounted the experience. “Amidst the flashing lights, I realised they too were part of my celebration.” Tears welled up in her eyes, tears of pure joy streaming down her face, unabashedly expressing her emotions.

The news of her triumph spread like wildfire, igniting a sense of pride across Meghalaya. Newspaper headlines blared the historic win: Meghalaya filmmaker wins best director at Prag Cine Awards. “While we were on the way back home from Jorhat, I opened my social networking sites. They were flooded with messages, and my pictures were all over statuses, stories, and feeds,” shared Simi as she reminisced about the aftermath of her victory.

But amidst the excitement, what really struck her was the significance of this win. “Securing this award marks a milestone for Jaiñtia Hills in the realm of filmmaking. As a representative of our matrilineal society, it fills me with pride to bring this recognition home as a woman.”

Her journey to victory was anything but smooth sailing. She encountered setbacks and tasted the bitterness of failure, including a disheartening defeat in her initial attempt. However, she refused to let those setbacks define her. Instead, she used them as motivation to propel herself forward, striving for greater achievements.

Recalling her past experiences, she said, “Back in 2018, when we were nominated in multiple categories, I had high hopes for success. However, the outcome was not as I had envisioned. It was a humbling realisation of the intense competition we faced.”

Approaching this year’s nomination with tempered expectations, Simi acknowledged the formidable contenders she was up against. “This time, I didn’t dare to set my hopes too high. With other exceptional films from Northeast India in contention, I knew the competition would be tough. But I had made a personal vow to up my storytelling game after the first loss. The experience lit a fire under us, reminding us that we can’t just phone it in when it comes to filmmaking. We’ve got to push ourselves to tell fresh, compelling stories.”

“You can feel this sort of buzz among all the filmmakers. We’re all realising that just sticking to the same old formulas won’t cut it anymore,” she remarked. “We’re starting to think bigger, to share our stories with a wider audience. And the more we do that, the more fresh talent we’re bound to discover. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll have our cinema halls and theatres, and filmmaking will be a full-fledged profession here,” Simi expressed.

Her confidence in Ka Chithi stemmed from the sweat and tears poured into perfecting the craft. She firmly believed the film could strike a chord with audiences and authentically represent Jaiñtia culture. “So, reflecting on the improvements I made in Ka Chithi, particularly in the technical aspects of storytelling, I had a sense of contentment that I had done justice to my work.”

On the impact of competing in such a prestigious platform, Simi underscored the importance of representation and the opportunity to share unique narratives with a broader audience, fostering connections and understanding across states.

The multiple nominations for Ka Chithi also shine a light on the rising talent from the Jaiñtia film scene. Considering this growth and its impact on cultural representation, Simi accentuated the wealth of talent found in local theatre productions like Kper Syntu. “These productions are bursting with talent,” she enthused. “From the writers to the actors, they’ve got it all.”

Simi sees the film’s nominations and the win as a chance for new talents to strut their stuff. “People today want authenticity,” she noted. “Especially when it comes to preserving our culture in the face of Western influences.”

Winning such a prestigious award is the result of years of dedication. Simi shared the challenges faced during the making of Ka Chithi, including budgeting issues exacerbated by the two-year lockdown. However, she expressed profound gratitude to Fourness Dhar, the Producer (Proprietor of AntHill), for his support and motivation throughout the process.

In Simi’s journey, while she has the support of many individuals, her daughter Ekratia stands by her side through thick and thin. Ekratia, who plays the role of Darika in Ka Chithi, sees her mother as a constant winner.

“She has always been a winner in my eyes. This award, for me, is just another one of her achievements,” Ekratia shares. She acknowledged the influence her mother has had on her attitude towards failure, saying, “She has moulded me into a person where failures don’t scare me anymore.”

Despite Ekratia’s initial self-doubt about following in her mother’s footsteps, Simi’s unwavering support and encouragement helped her overcome her fears. “The film field has always had a special place in my heart, but there were times I questioned myself,” Ekratia admitted. “But Mom reassured me that my doubts were unfounded. Despite everything, I consider myself a very optimistic person and I am determined to start small and grow gradually over time.”

Talking about her initial reaction upon hearing about her mother’s win and her feelings about being part of a film that has garnered such recognition, Ekratia recalled feeling jittery. When they finally announced her mother’s name, she couldn’t contain her excitement. “I let out the loudest cheer; I probably got some side-eye, but I couldn’t care less. At that moment, all I felt was bliss,” she laughed.

“Yes, it’s true. I cannot forget how my daughter screamed after my name was announced. She completely forgot who was around. I am a single mother, and she has seen me thriving towards my dreams, witnessing all the ups and downs since her childhood. I feel she is more thrilled than me,” Simi chimed in.

Ekratia finds it truly inspiring to see her mother’s talent and hard work recognised, expressing her hope for more collaborations and striving for excellence in their work together, as it is one of her biggest desires.

Reflecting on a memorable moment from the set of Ka Chithi, Ekratia reminisced about the behind-the-scenes while shooting, bringing back many memories. She described the ups and downs experienced during the process but highlighted her mother’s professionalism. 

One core memory she can’t shake off is the last day of the shoot. “I didn’t realise it was the last time I was going to be Darika,” she revealed.

In a candid moment, Ekratia revealed she once pondered stepping away from acting, confiding in her mom as she mulled over prioritising her studies. However, she radiated excitement for her cinematic journey ahead, acknowledging the hurdles that lie in wait. With a chuckle, she noted the irony that many recognise her as Darika rather than by her given name, Ekratia, showcasing the profound impact of her portrayal.

Discussing the challenges of collaborating with her mother in a professional capacity, the actor disclosed, “Before landing a role in Ka Chithi, I had stepped away from acting for a few years. My ego was high, and I arrogantly assumed it wouldn’t be a problem, but I couldn’t have been more mistaken—it was a mindless oversight on my part.”

She recalled a workshop where her performance fell short, yet her mother persisted in believing in her potential. “I started working on it, and when we started the shoot, she was pleased with my progress,” she elaborated. “It wasn’t flawless, but she mentored me every step of the way, alongside the team. The atmosphere was incredibly supportive, making it a truly unforgettable experience.”

In the midst of juggling filmmaking and responsibilities of raising her three children as a single mother, Simi finds unwavering support from her daughter Ekratia, who is always there, urging her not to give up. “She insists I look happiest when I’m behind the camera. She is convinced that someday my efforts will pay off and my work will receive the recognition it deserves. I consider myself truly blessed to have a daughter who comprehends everything. Every mother deserves a child like her.”

The recognition of her film Ka Chithi at the award show illuminates the significance of storytelling traditions within the Jaiñtia community. Speaking about how such narratives contribute to preserving cultural heritage through cinema, Simi emphasised, “I believe making a documentary or a movie ensures that the new generation will not forget what we have left behind for them. We observe the world changing rapidly with technological advancements. Cinema can aid in the preservation of our traditions.”

As the Jaiñtia Film Industry gains prominence, Simi also went on to discuss the efforts made to support and nurture local filmmakers, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of this cinematic ecosystem. She remarked, “First, it must come from within ourselves, to realise our potential. We understand that passion can evolve into a profession if we remain dedicated to our dreams. Various workshops catering to different art forms can truly help aspiring filmmakers refine their skills. A Film Policy by the Government is crucial to nurture local filmmakers.”

Simi, the first woman filmmaker from Jaiñtia Hills, sees her Best Director award as more than just a personal victory; it’s about breaking barriers. Onstage, that award night, flooded with emotion, she felt proud to pave the way for others like her. Amidst fame’s chaos, her daughter Ekratia remains her rock, reminding her the journey continues. As Ka Chithi heads to the Bengaluru International Film Festival, Simi Khongtiang’s journey encourages others to chase their dreams boldly.

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