March 17, Colombo (LNW): The National Cinematheque of South Korea, a key branch of the National Film Archive, is set to host a Sri Lankan Film Festival.
This exciting cultural exchange, running from March 27 to April 16, will give South Korean audiences a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Sri Lankan cinema, with 14 carefully selected films scheduled to be screened at the Seoul Cinematheque.
The line-up includes some of Sri Lanka’s most influential films, offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s cinematic history. Amongst the highlighted films are Lester James Peiris’s ‘Rekhawa‘ (Line of Destiny), ‘Gamperaliya‘ (Changes in the Village), and ‘Nidhanaya‘ (Treasure). These films, often considered classics, showcase the artistic brilliance and storytelling depth that have defined Sri Lankan cinema.
The festival also features works from some of the country’s most renowned contemporary directors. Dharmasena Pathiraja’s ‘Bambaru Awith‘ (The Wasps Are Here) and Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Oba Nethiwa-Oba Ekka‘ (With You, Without You) are included, alongside Vimukthi Jayasundara’s ‘Sulanga Enu Pinisa‘ (The Forsaken Land) and ‘Ahasin Wetei’ (Between Two Worlds). These films, with their compelling narratives and unique cinematic style, offer a modern perspective on Sri Lanka’s social and cultural landscape.
Other films in the festival include Prasanna Jayakody’s ‘28′, Sanjeewa Pushpakumara’s ‘Igillena Maluwo’ (Flying Fish), ‘Dawena Vihangun‘ (Burning Birds), ‘Vihanga Premaya’ (Peacock Lament), and Visakesa Chandrasekaran’s ‘Manal’ (Sand). The festival also presents ‘Nelum Kuluna‘ (Tentigo) by Ilango Ram, a film that explores contemporary themes in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the screenings, the festival will feature a special lecture by filmmaker Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, who is currently pursuing his PhD at Chung Ang University in Seoul.
Pushpakumara, known for his contribution to the Sri Lankan film industry, has been invited to deliver a lecture on the pioneers of Sri Lankan cinema, their iconic works, and the evolving trends in the industry today.
This insightful lecture is set to take place on March 29 and will provide a deeper understanding of Sri Lankan cinema for those interested in its history and future.
