Meghalaya-Based Psychological Drama *‘Moon’* Selected for Busan Asian Project Market

Shillong-based filmmaker Pradip Kurbah’s latest feature film, Moon, is set to be showcased at the Asian Project Market (APM) during the ongoing 30th Busan International Film Festival. The film, produced by Shankar Lall Goenka along with multiple production partners, underscores Kurbah’s continued dedication to storytelling rooted in Meghalaya. Moon is a psychological drama that delves deeply into themes of memory, guilt, and the subtle fractures that exist within families. The narrative unfolds across the misty hills of Meghalaya and the bustling streets of Delhi, following two individuals returning to their hometowns after traumatic experiences that have shaped their lives.

The story follows a man who returns to his village haunted by past violence, juxtaposed with a woman confronting the aftermath of abuse before returning to a family that had raised her as a boy. Their paths intersect amid rain-soaked landscapes, revealing delicate emotional connections and unresolved trauma. Kurbah explained that the inspiration for the film came from the “everyday grief and unfinished lives” he observed in Meghalaya. He expressed his intent to create a narrative where silences carry meaning, where the weight of the past is ever-present, yet small moments of love, memory, and hope still endure.

The filmmaker also emphasized the role of landscape as a narrative device in Moon. He highlighted that rain, mist, forests, and grey skies are not mere settings but integral elements that mirror the characters’ emotions, providing visual metaphors for feelings that words alone cannot convey. The natural environment, Kurbah noted, moves in harmony with the story, enhancing the emotional depth and resonance of the film.

APM, recognized as Asia’s first investment and co-production market, serves as a platform to introduce promising film projects at various stages—planning, development, or production—to potential collaborators. Producer Shankar Lall Goenka stated that Moon has already received support from Hello Meghalaya, a government-backed streaming platform. The production team’s strategy involves gaining visibility through international film festivals, aiming to connect with co-producers, sales agents, and distributors who recognize the value of regional cinema.

Kurbah’s previous works include Market (2019), which presented an authentic portrayal of Shillong’s street life, and The Elysian Field (Ha Lyngkha Bneng), which won accolades for Best Film and Best Director at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival. These achievements underscore Kurbah’s growing international recognition and his ability to blend regional specificity with universal themes.

Moon aims to continue this trajectory by bringing the landscapes, culture, and stories of Meghalaya to a global audience. Its exploration of universal human emotions through a distinctly regional lens is intended to resonate with viewers worldwide. Producer Goenka expressed confidence that the film’s honesty and deeply rooted sense of place would allow it to stand out on the festival circuit, creating a bridge between local narratives and international appreciation.

The 30th Busan International Film Festival continues to celebrate diverse cinematic voices, with Moon joining other selected projects in showcasing Asia’s creative potential. The festival runs in Busan and will conclude on September 26, providing a platform for filmmakers like Kurbah to present culturally rich, emotionally resonant films to a global audience.