Meghalaya’s 2025 Film Tourism Policy: Transforming Scenic Beauty into Global Cinematic Gold

Meghalaya Goes Cinematic: A Bold Leap into Global Film Tourism

The Meghalaya government is rolling out the red carpet in 2025—literally and figuratively—with the launch of its new Film Tourism Policy, a strategic move designed to draw filmmakers from India and across the globe. Announced by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, this policy supports the state's larger vision of becoming a $16 billion economy by 2032.

The draft policy is now open for public suggestions via the Meghalaya One portal until June 20, 2025—a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to help shape the future of cinematic tourism in India’s Northeast.

Why This Policy Matters to the B2B Travel Ecosystem

B2B travel professionals—especially those handling group travel, MICE, and high-end leisure—stand to benefit from this cinematic surge. Meghalaya's untapped potential, stunning landscapes, and tribal heritage present incredible new opportunities for curated travel, film-linked itineraries, and event-based tourism packaging.

Leveraging Nature & Culture: Meghalaya's New Visual Identity

Meghalaya is offering more than just scenic backdrops; it’s crafting a unique identity:

• Lush greenery, misty peaks, and tribal traditions are being rebranded as cinematic assets.

• Destinations like Sohra (Cherrapunji), Mawlynnong, and Dawki are primed to be on-screen stars.

• The state promises infrastructure upgrades, including studios, post-production labs, and OTT platforms.
  
  

Filmmaker Incentives: ₹1.5 Cr Grants + OTT Visibility

The policy introduces financial incentives up to ₹1.5 crores for films shot in Meghalaya across major Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

Incentives include:

• Grants for promoting culture and heritage.

• Production support for local filmmakers and regional crews.

• Distribution via “Hello Meghalaya” OTT, providing both reach and recognition.

These incentives aren’t limited to big-budget productions. A tiered support system helps everyone, from short-film creators to web series directors, bring their stories to life.

Local Talent First: Upskilling and Opportunity

The government isn’t just wooing outsiders. It’s empowering homegrown storytellers, too:

• Category A: ₹35L for 6 feature filmmakers

• Category B: ₹25L for 18 emerging creators

• Category C: ₹ 20 L for web series (min. 10 episodes)

• Category D: ₹5L for 19 short-film makers

Each project gets visibility support on Hello Meghalaya, amplifying reach and encouraging grassroots filmmaking.

Film-Ready Infrastructure: From Dream to Delivery

To become a self-sustained film destination, Meghalaya is welcoming private investment in production infrastructure:

• Studios and post-production centres

• Filmmaker-friendly shooting permits

• Eco-conscious film location management

This infrastructure will eventually complement the tourism sector by attracting MICE events, celebrity travel, and content tourism enthusiasts.

Regional Collaboration & Masterclasses: Building a Creative Northeast

A unique aspect of the policy is its cross-state collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh through the Film and Television Institute (FTI). Masterclasses by award-winning filmmaker Dominic Sangma and exchange programs with 30 students are fueling a Northeast-wide creative boom.

This initiative builds future-ready content creators while spotlighting the entire region as a creative corridor.

Hello Meghalaya: The OTT Launchpad for Local Stories

The policy banks on digital momentum through the Hello Meghalaya OTT platform, offering:

• Content premieres for regional films and web series

• Marketing and visibility support

• A digital gateway for national and international exposure

This adds a revenue and discovery layer for local creators and travel marketers.

The Roadshow Effect: Taking Film Tourism to Every District

To engage citizens and creators alike, the government has launched a 30-day statewide roadshow, featuring:

• Screenings of Meghalaya-made films

• Promotional material for filmmakers

• Public discussions on policy, filmmaking, and tourism synergies

This initiative not only spreads awareness but also invites grassroots participation in the creative economy.

Conclusion: A Scripted Success in the Making

The Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025 is more than just an economic vision—it’s a cultural mission. By integrating financial support, infrastructural growth, digital platforms, and local talent development, Meghalaya is poised to become one of India’s most cinematic travel destinations.

For B2B travel professionals, this opens new doors in film-linked travel, creative tourism, and location-based event planning. Whether you're packaging Northeast India for inbound travellers or seeking to collaborate with production teams, Meghalaya’s evolving narrative is worth watching—and booking.

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