Shillong, Aug 29: Meghalaya’s folklore came alive on screen today with the special screening of Apot – A Presage of Tiewlarun, at the LARITI Auditorium, Shillong, graced by Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya.
Speaking at the screening, Minister highlighted the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity. He thanked the team involved, including Raphael Warjri and his casting team. Hon’ble Minister stated that the film project was a winner and expressed confidence that it had the potential to bring national and international recognition. He praised the artistic interpretation of Tiew Larun in the film, saying it had done justice to the folklore they had grown up hearing. He added that the project would inspire young filmmakers.
Rooted in the traditional Khasi folktale of Tiewlarun, a forbidden flower believed to bring misfortune, the film tells the haunting tale of a brother and sister, the lone survivors of a plague-stricken village. When the sister disregards her brother’s warning and disturbs the sacred Tiewlarun, tragedy unfolds, weaving a story of love, loss, and fate.
Beyond its evocative narrative, Apot is also a visual ode to Meghalaya’s scenic grandeur, its hills, forests, and enduring traditions, thereby making it both a cinematic experience and a cultural journey.
The film strengthens Meghalaya’s broader vision of positioning itself as a hub of cultural and eco-tourism through the power of visual storytelling.