The hill state of Meghalaya, famed for its pine forests, misty cliffs, and vibrant tribal culture, is preparing to take centre stage in the Indian film tourism circuit.
On Thursday, the state cabinet gave its nod to the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025, a comprehensive plan to attract filmmakers from across the country and beyond while nurturing local cinema.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced the cabinet’s approval, calling it a landmark step towards unlocking the creative and economic potential of Meghalaya’s stunning natural and cultural landscapes.
The policy, he said, was shaped after extensive consultation, with more than 200 stakeholders offering feedback on the draft. “Recognizing Meghalaya’s potential as a filmmaking hub in the Northeast, we are launching this policy to tap into that opportunity,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
At the heart of the policy is the creation of a Film Facilitation Cell – a one-stop coordination body comprising officials from Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Information and Public Relations Department, and others. The cell will be tasked with guiding filmmakers through the administrative and logistical processes of shooting in the state.
The policy offers financial incentives designed to encourage a diverse range of productions. National and international films that promote tourism and shoot at least 75 per cent of their scenes in Meghalaya will be eligible for subsidies of up to Rs 1 crore or 25 percent of production costs, whichever is lower.
Local language films – those made in Khasi, Pnar, or Garo –will receive a subsidy of Rs 50 lakh, with the condition that individual filmmakers can avail this once every two years.
Additionally, TV shows, web series, and OTT content produced in the state will be eligible for support, alongside documentaries and short films that reflect Meghalaya’s heritage and social fabric.
Minister Lyngdoh emphasised that the policy was not just about glitz and glamour but about creating sustainable opportunities for local talent and businesses. “This is about livelihoods, visibility, and building a new cultural economy,” he said, underlining the role film can play in promoting tourism, generating employment, and amplifying indigenous voices.
Meghalaya has in recent years drawn the attention of independent filmmakers and music video producers, thanks to its untouched landscapes, cascading waterfalls, mysterious caves, and rich tribal traditions. But without a formal policy, many projects ran into red tape and logistical roadblocks. The new framework seeks to remove such barriers and send a clear signal that Meghalaya is open for cinema.
With this move, the state joins a growing list of regions –such as Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala – that have strategically leveraged film tourism to stimulate local economies and project their cultural identity on national and global platforms. Now, with a structured policy and a cinematic backdrop like no other, Meghalaya is ready for its close-up.