Ha Lyngkha Bneng – A Khasi film makes history
Pradip Kurbah’s Khasi-language film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field) makes history at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) 2025. A poignant tale of identity and change set in Meghalaya, the film represents a milestone for Northeast Indian cinema on the global stage.
It’s not every day that a Khasi-language film waltzes onto the global stage, but here we are, with Pradip Kurbah’s Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field) striding confidently into the limelight at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) 2025. And if that’s not a feather in Meghalaya’s cinematic cap, I don’t know what is.
For Kurbah, this selection is a cocktail of excitement and jitters. “The film will have its world premiere in Europe during the festival, which is incredibly exciting. But I won’t deny that there’s some nervousness too,” he confessed to The Assam Tribune. Understandably so—one doesn’t simply march into Moscow without a bit of trepidation, especially when showcasing the soul of Meghalaya to a global audience.
But this isn’t just about competition; it’s about representation. “This is about bringing our stories to a global audience,” Kurbah explained. And rightly so. The Northeast, often overshadowed in mainstream Indian cinema, is finally getting its well-deserved moment in the spotlight. With cinema from the region steadily gaining recognition, this selection is nothing short of a giant leap for Khasi filmmaking.
The journey to MIFF has been anything but a casual stroll. Before this prestigious nod, Ha Lyngkha Bneng had already been turning heads at the Asian Project Market in Busan and the Co-Production Market at Film Bazaar—proof that good storytelling transcends borders.
Shot over two years amidst the misty, soul-stirring landscapes of Sohra, the film is not just a visual treat but a heartfelt exploration of identity and change. At its core, Ha Lyngkha Bneng tells the tale of a secluded Meghalaya village grappling with the bittersweet pangs of urban migration. Loneliness, resilience, and friendship form the beating heart of the story, proving once again that the most powerful narratives often come from the most unexpected places.
And let’s not forget the grandeur of MIFF itself—one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, established way back in 1935 (yes, even before Hollywood discovered its obsession with sequels and reboots). From April 17 to April 24, Moscow will play host to top filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts, all eager to witness the magic of world cinema unfold.
As Meghalaya’s finest takes its place among global contenders, one thing is certain: the hills are alive, not with the sound of music, but with the echoes of storytelling at its finest. Here’s to Ha Lyngkha Bneng—may it shine as brightly as the Khasi hills themselves.
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