Shillong, August 2: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has congratulated acclaimed filmmaker Dominic Megam Sangma after his Garo-language film Rimdogittanga (Rapture) won Best Feature Film in Garo at the 71st National Film Awards.
Calling the recognition “a triumph for Garo identity and storytelling,” the Chief Minister took to social media to celebrate the achievement as a cultural milestone for the state.
“Congratulations to Dominic Megam Sangma on winning Best Feature Film in Garo for Rimdogittanga (Rapture) at the 71st National Film Awards! Dominic has consistently captivated us with his powerful storytelling, rooted deeply in the richness of our tribal heritage and way of life. This latest recognition is a testament to his unique voice and vision. Congratulations to him and his entire team on this well-earned and well-deserved success!”
Directed by Dominic and produced by Anna Films, Rapture is a visually arresting tale seen through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy suffering from night blindness, set against the backdrop of a village haunted by fears of child kidnappers. Layered with spiritual and psychological depth, the film draws heavily from Garo cultural beliefs, offering an intimate and authentic lens into the community’s worldview.
Already acclaimed on the international festival circuit, Rapture has been praised for its evocative visual language and emotional resonance. At the National Awards, the film received the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to nurturing local talent, Sangma recently proposed the creation of a Film Institute in Meghalaya and the launch of district-level film festivals to encourage young storytellers. Announced during the Hello Meghalaya – Integrated Grant Disbursement Event, the initiatives form part of the draft Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025, aimed at providing training, fostering exchanges with regional film institutes, and building a vibrant cinematic ecosystem in the state.