The rays of the sun and the moon are common to all human beings despite all racial, religious and ethnic differences and we are all equally benefited by these natural resources, says internationally acclaimed director Benette Ratnayake speaking about his latest film ‘Ira Handa Yata’.
Famed for his earlier directions ‘Aswesuma’ and ‘Sulanga’, the latest movie is set in the backdrop of the country’s three decades long war. Jointly scripted by Sarath Gamlath and Benette himself the film revolves around a young soldier played by Udara Ratnayake and a middle aged Army Major played by talented Saumya Liyanage.
The film which is going to be shot in and around Batticaloa, Welikanda, Kalpitiya, Udapppuwa and Dambulla for more than two months is to discuss the human aspects of the war and its repercussion on one’s day-today living.
 |
| A scene from “Aswesuma” |
Winning Platinum Award for the Best First Feature at the 34th Houston International Film Festival and Special Jury Award (Fipresci) by Federation of International Film Critics at the 4th Mumbai I.F.F. for his maiden film ‘Aswesuma’ (Compensation) and followed up with ‘Sulanga’ which won rave reviews internationally, his third direction is planned for both local and international screenings.
“We have planned and made all the arrangements to get the best technology to compete in the international market,” Benette said.
The film will be shot with Arri 435 camera and is to complete with ‘Super 35’ an internationally standard motion picture film format.
“We had lot of disadvantages when our films were being screened for the international festivals as the quality of films technologically were low. But with an extra budget we hope to do this film with an artistic and technological standard that could even reach Oscars,” Benette said mentioning the collective production of Samanmalee Hewamanna, Oliver Fernando, Ruwan Jayasinghe and Indika Wanigasekera.
‘Ira Handa Yata’ is to be played by an experienced cast including Mahendra Perera, Palitha Silva, Chandani Seneviratne, Roger Seneviratne, Kaushalya Fernando, Damitha Abeyratne, Bimal Jayakody together with newcomers Sheryl Becker and Dharshani Tasha.
“What the war has presented to multi ethnic and multi religious background of this country is a question that we all must ask from ourselves,” says Benette.
The experienced director is to discuss how we could understand the events of the vicious war we are experiencing throughout the recent history and how we could use the truth revealed for the advancement of society.
 |
| Director Ratnayake |
“As preached by the Lord Buddha if there is something that we cannot hide eternally that is only the Sun, Moon and the truth. “Ira Handa Yata” is to resurrect the series of events that took place in this country by disclosing the truth behind them,” the director said.
While the film will be done in Sinhala, English subtitles will be added for international screenings. Benette is also planning to release a Tamil dubbed version of the film for the Tamil filmgoers.
The technical staff of the film include Priyantha Dissanayake as the make-up artist, Sujeewa Gunaratne as art director, Kumara Karawdeniya as costume designer, Nadeeka Guruge as music director.
Cinematographer is Kalinga Deshappriya, Ranjan Prasanna is the assistant director, Priyantha Kithalagama and Anura Gambeera Arachchi will handle production management. |
E-mail