Meghalaya Documentary Bags Top Honour at International Caving Film Festival

A documentary titled "Achik Kol: The Uncharted Caves of Garo Hills" has brought global attention to Meghalaya by winning the top professional category award at the 19th International Congress of Speleology held in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The prestigious event, one of the world’s foremost platforms for cave research and exploration, saw 33 films competing from 12 countries, including Australia, France, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

Directed by Gregory Allya Warjri and produced by NOMADS Film, the documentary was developed during the Core Geo Caving Expedition 2024. It followed a team of international scientists, explorers, and local Achik cavers as they navigated and mapped previously unexplored cave systems in the remote Garo Hills. Among the most significant findings documented was the discovery of a prehistoric whale fossil in Tolegre village — a rare and valuable paleontological breakthrough that added scientific weight to the expedition.

The film not only captures the breathtaking beauty and complex structure of Meghalaya’s cave systems but also emphasizes the cultural and scientific collaboration that made the expedition successful. It highlights the integral role played by local guides and the Achik Cavers Exploration Society, who used their indigenous knowledge to assist the exploration teams through treacherous underground landscapes. This collaboration between global and local stakeholders exemplifies a model of sustainable and inclusive scientific research.

Following the announcement of the award, director Warjri noted that the win placed Meghalaya prominently on the global speleological map, showcasing the state’s unique underground heritage, rich storytelling tradition, and adventurous spirit. The documentary has already reached international audiences through its screenings at events like the Hidden Earth UK Caving Conference in September 2024 and Le Festival des Voyageurs d'Ici in Switzerland in November 2024. Plans are currently in motion to screen the documentary in Shillong, focusing on student audiences and the general public to inspire a new generation of cave explorers and scientists.

The project received considerable support from the Core Geo Expedition founders Thomas Arbenz and Ayush Singh, along with key team members Jean Marc Jutzet and Roman Hapka, who presented the film at the Brazilian congress. The expedition and film production were made possible through collaborations with local district administrators, traditional village leaders known as Nokmas, and residents of Tolegre and Nokatgre villages, underscoring the community's crucial role in the expedition’s success.

Meghalaya is already recognized globally for having some of the longest cave systems in the world, featuring complex limestone formations and unique subterranean ecosystems. The state continues to attract speleologists and researchers due to its scientific potential, yet much of it remains unexplored. The success of Achik Kol is expected to boost interest in further explorations, conservation efforts, and local participation.

The International Congress of Speleology, which is held every four years, is a key event for cave scientists, explorers, and filmmakers. Winning this award at such a prestigious forum is not only a personal achievement for the filmmakers but also a landmark moment for promoting Meghalaya’s natural heritage and scientific importance on the global stage.