Shillong: The Khasi-language film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field), directed by Pradip Kurbah, has been selected for the main competition at the prestigious 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) 2025. This recognition places it among a distinguished lineup of global films at one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed film festivals, first established in 1935.
Scheduled to take place from 17 to 24 April in Moscow, MIFF will bring together renowned filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The selection of Ha Lyngkha Bneng marks a historic moment for Khasi cinema, amplifying the region’s presence on the global stage.
The film’s journey began in 2020 when it was chosen for the Asian Project Market in Busan, South Korea, and the Co-Production Market at Film Bazaar, organised by India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). These early recognitions underscored the project’s potential and set the foundation for its development into a cinematic achievement.
Filmed over two years in and around Sohra, Meghalaya, the film captures the beauty of all four seasons while weaving a narrative rich in cultural depth. The production is a collaboration between Kurbah Films, Hello Meghalaya, Pomus New Horizons, Ka Knup Creatives, and Cat N Mouse Entertainment. It boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Richard Kharpuri, Helena Duiia, Baia Marbaniang, Albert Mawriew, Merlvin Mukhim, and Jeetesh Sharma.
At its core, Ha Lyngkha Bneng is a poignant exploration of community, loneliness, and the resilience of human connections. Set in a remote village slowly emptying due to urban migration, the film portrays friendship as a lifeline amid solitude. Through moments of grief, longing, and companionship, it highlights the enduring strength of the human spirit and the ties that bind people together.
In recent years, cinema from Northeast India has gained international recognition, and the inclusion of Ha Lyngkha Bneng in MIFF’s Main Competition further solidifies the region’s growing cinematic influence. This milestone not only elevates Khasi cinema but also showcases the rich storytelling traditions of the Northeast to a global audience.
Pradip Kurbah, known for his evocative storytelling and commitment to indigenous narratives, continues to push the boundaries of regional cinema. His work offers a window into lesser-seen perspectives, bridging cultural gaps and bringing Khasi life to an international stage.
As Ha Lyngkha Bneng makes its MIFF premiere, it promises to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Its selection at the festival underscores Khasi cinema’s potential and its ability to tell universal stories of resilience, belonging, and the unbreakable need for human connection.
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