Director Pradip Kurbah and actor Merlvin Mukhim before the screening of Ri in Goa on Monday

Shillong, Nov. 25: National Award-winning Khasi film Ri — Homeland of Uncertainty has received applause at the 45th International Film Festival of India 2014 in Goa.

The film is the first from Meghalaya to be screened at the renowned annual festival, and is one among the 26 feature films to feature at the gala event. “Created on a meagre constrained fund, the film was well appreciated by people thronging the INOX at Goa. A good number of international viewers were also a part of the audience. What came as a pleasant surprise to many was that the film looked richer in appearance than its true making worth,” an IFFI release from Goa stated.

A regular delegate for the festival from Italy, Giovanni Rossi, said, “Such filmmakers require and should get the necessary support”.

The film’s director Pradip Kurbah told reporters in Goa, “I cannot wait for the day when I shall have the financial wherewithal to make a film. I would rather have my stories told and watched. We have always faced hardship in this line but the idea is to move forward and not be tied down because of it.”

Joining Kurbah, actor Merlvin Mukhim said, “It is an honour to be a part of such a prestigious event and, more so, in being a part of a film from the state, which is the first Khasi film ever to be selected for the Indian Panorama. It would be a blessing for Meghalaya to have more support coming in, in terms of industry building. Our talented youth deserve it.”

Pady Gajageshwar, a Marathi actor and writer, was the first to meet Kurbah and Mukhim after the screening yesterday. “The scenic beauty and technicality of the film is unbelievable. It seems on a par with any Hindi film,” he said.

Film critique Rajesh Shetty said, “The film is beyond expectation, and we would love to see more films from Meghalaya.”