Achik film body seeks action from DIPR for exclusion of Dominic from Cannes
Shillong, May 5: The Society of A•chik Film & Entertainment (SAFE) Tura has sought action from the Director of Information and Public Relations for dropping the name of Garo film maker Dominic Sangma from the list of state representatives in Cannes.
In a letter addressed to the DIPR on Friday, the SAFE members expressed concern and disappointment regarding the decision not to send Dominic to the Cannes Film Festival.
According to them, Dominic had already brought numerous awards, laurels, and fame to the state at the international cinema, and his exclusion from this prestigious event is a great loss for the Garo community and the state film industry.
“Mr Sangma has years of experience as a filmmaker and has made significant contributions to the cinema industry. He has brought about attention to Garo Hills and Meghalaya as a whole, through his artistry. In 2010, his short film, ‘Karyukai Inc. made the rounds in international film circuits like-Munich, Kosovo and Venice. In 2014, his short film, ‘Rong•kuchak’ won the National Award for ‘Best Student Film’ and went on to be screen at various film festivals, both nationally and internationally.
Ma•ama became the first Garo film to win multiple film festival awards at the international level,including the 65th National Award. His latest work, ‘Rapture’ travelled to the coveted Cannes under the La Fabrique section. Both these two films became the first indigenous films from Meghalaya to be co-produced by international producers. Furthermore, he has been the recipient of various international film festival awards and has been invited to numerous events across the world to showcase his work, they said.
“It is disheartening to know that despite the recommendation from the Arts & Culture Department and Director of Information & Public Relations, Mr Sangma’s name was removed from the list of delegates to be sent to the Cannes Film Festival at the last moment. We would like to know the reason behind this sudden change of decision”, they said.
“It is essential to recognise and promote the talents of our country, especially those who have already made a significant contribution to the field of art and culture. In other states, deserving candidates are given the opportunity to represent their community and showcase their work at such prestigious events. It is disappointing to know that deserving filmmakers like Mr. Sangma are being left out. Therefore, we urge you to take immediate and necessary action and such mistakes shouldn’t be repeated in future”, the letter said.
Members of Society of A∙chik Film and Entertainment (S.A.F.E) supporting Dominic below
1 Mikhail Ch Marak
2 Dipu Marak
3 Sembertush Sangma
4 Jesse James R Marak
5 Simon George S Marak
6 Jhansy D Marak
7 Michri Thejaseno
8 Supriya Prasad Raunier
9 Jenifer Dutta Arengh
10 Elvachisa Ch Sangma
11 Coretta A Sangma
12 Balsrame A Sangma
13 Nadira N Marak
14 Bintu A Sangma
15 Gaido Sangma
16 Bilman Ch Sangma
17 Mandrake M Sangma
18 Paulush Arengh
19 Pronantho A Sangma
20 Winsang Ch Marak
21 Chiambong R Marak
22 Aister M Momin
23 Tombe Achue R Marak
24 Jaksram K Marak
25 Luckshwell M Sangma
26 Chegim Durama K Marak
27 Ludip N Arengh
28 Kattanisa Sangma
29 Jakshil G Momin
30 Brean Sunbish M Sangma
31 Riksil K Marak
32 Chusrang Marak
33 Dipankar Sarkar
34 Jameswarth Ch Sangma
35 Chuba R Marak
36 Raphun Momin
37 Salba A Sangma
38 David W Momin
39 Greywith M Marak
40 Willy Wince Sangma
41 Joseph Embal Sangma
42 Pesath A Sangma
43 David D Shira
