2016: An Year for cinema
The New Year 2016 would be a blessed year for movie fans and those interested in cinema.
Dekala Purudu Kenek
A number of internationally acclaimed and awarded films are already in line to be screened in various circuits while some much awaited popular films are also added to the list.
‘28’
Among those internationally awarded are Prasanna Jayakody’s ‘28’, a movie starring Semini Iddamalgoda, Sarath Kothalawela, Rukmal Nirosh and Mahendra Perera.
The film won the NETPAC Award (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) at the 43rd Rotterdam International Film Festival making it the best Asian film in 2014.
Written and directed by Prasanna, the film is presented in a form of a road movie and narrates how three men transport the body of a woman (in a vehicle numbered 28-Sri), who had been raped and murdered, in an old van. One of the men will find out that the woman is his estranged wife.
‘The Strangely Familiar’
Malith Hagoda’s debut feature film ‘The Strangely Familiar’ (Dekala Purudu Kenek) which was selected for the prestigious 58th BFI London Film Festival organized by the British Film Institute is another film to be screened during this year.
Starring Samadahi Laksiri and Bimal Jayakody, the film was in competition at the 8th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, at Brisbane in Australia.
‘Sakkarang’
The film also was in competition for the Golden Zenith at the renowned Montreal World Film Festival in the First Films Competition in Montreal, Canada. Written by Nalin Wickramage ‘Dekala Purudu Kenek’ is produced by Lal Hegoda, Rasanga Dissanayake, Mohamed Adamaly and Nadira Adamaly.
‘Premaya Nam’
“Premaya Nam”, the directorial debut of two brothers Kalpana and Vindana Ariyawansa, which was screened and in competition at a number of foreign film festivals will be screened in Sri Lanka soon.
“Premaya Nam” participated in the Beijing International Film Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival, 46th International Film Festival of India in Goa, 20th International Film Festival of Kerala and Delhi International Film Festival last year.
It was also screened at the Jaffna International Cinema Festival and International Film Festival of Colombo.
Made based on a true story, brothers Kalpana andVindana Ariyawansa wrote and directed “Premaya Nam” and stars Shyam Fernando, Samanalee Fonseka,Suranga Ranawaka and Dr. Sathis Wijemanna in the main cast.
It is being produced by Kalpana Ariyawansa, Prem Dissanayake, Athula Mahawalage and Sujeewa Wijesinghe.
‘Motor Bicycle’
‘Motor Bicycle’ debut direction of Sameera Rangana which won the main awards at last year’s SAARC Film Festival in Colombo will also be released during 2016.
Produced by Suranga Jayasuriya and starring Dasun Pathirana, Samanalee Fonseka, Veena Jayakody, Mahendra Perera and Kumara Thirimadura, the film won the Best Film and the Best Direction awards.
PremayaNam
‘Sakkarang’
Returning to filmmaking after a quite a silence, pioneer filmmaker Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja’s ‘Sakkarang’ (A drizzle during a time of drought) will be screened this year.
The film was screened at the Asia Cinema Competition of the 7 the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES).
It explained as the tortuous transformation from feudalism to modernity, was one of the 166 films from 48 countries that were presented.
The cast includes Bimal Jayakody, Prasadini Atapattu, Gayan Wickramathilake, Chamila Peiris, Cyril Wickramage, W. Jayasiri, Sarath Kothalawala and Pubudu Chathuranga
Produced by HD Premasiri, ‘Sakkarang’ is scripted by Chaminda Welegedera, assistant direction is by Sugatha Amarajeewa Bandara and Madhavi Lewke Bandara.
‘Swara’ to play a hopeful music
‘Sawara’(Seven Notes), a movie which discusses the HIV infected in Sri Lanka and their pathetic and traumatic journey is also in the line for 2016.
Paththini
Starring Sachini Ayendra Mahipala, Anusha Rajapakse, Damitha Abeyrathne, W.Jayasiri, Diluni Mallawaarchi, Danu Innasitamby and Nita Fernando, the film was selected to represent Sri Lanka at a special section of the Jaipur International Film Festival in 2013 and was nominated for the Green Rose Award for a film with a Global message at the 5th Jaipur International Film Festival.
Screen play written by Yolande Weerasinghe, the direction of ‘Swara’ is by Sanjaya Nirmal and the film is co-produced by Manohan Nanayakkara, chairman of Asia Digital Entertainment and Nita Fernando herself.
‘Paththini’
Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne’s latest film ‘Paththini’ starring Uddika Premaratne, Aruni Rajapaksa and Pooja Umashanker will also be released in 2016. It is a film produced by Milina Sumathipala for Sumathi films.
Based on a love affair between Kannagi and Kovalan or goddess Paththini, the film also stars Minu Udani, Sanath Gunatillake, Ravindra Randeniya, Lucky Dias, Nita Fernando, Ama Wijesekara, Daya Alwis, Wijeratne Warakagoda, Chitra Warakagoda, Ramani Siriwardena, Wasantha Vittachchi, Anura Bandara Rajaguru and Madura Ramasinghe.
‘Light Arose’
Another directorial debut of young filmmaker Chathra Weeraman ‘Aloko Udapadi’- Light Arose which is a depiction on an important chapter of Sri Lanka’s history will also be released this year.
Produced by Thusitha Wijayasena, the film which revolves around the story of the recording of the Buddha’s Dispensation, in written form, after long centuries of oral tradition in a turbulent historical backdrop, has completed its production and is ready for release.
‘Motor Bicycle’
The film screenplay written by Saman Weeraman is about the leading Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, who recorded the sacred word of the Supreme Buddha in writing, while the land was aflame with war and famine, in the days of the Sri Lankan King Walagamba, 2100 years ago.
‘A Melody of Love’
A musical movie ‘Adaraneeya Kathawak’ (A Melody of Love) directed by Priyantha Colambage is a much awaited popular genre move that would be screened this year.
Starring Aruni Rajapaksa, Bimal Jayakody, Udari Warnakulasuriya and Hemal Ranasinghe, the film is produced by Chaminda Gamage and Priyantha Colambage for C2 Creations.
Screenplay written by Uwani Chamika and Priyantha Colambage, camera for ‘Adareenaya Kathawak’ is by Ruwan Costa, make up by Nalin Prematillake, art direction Manjula Ayagama and music direction is by Udara Samaraweera.
‘28’
‘Adaraneeya Kathawak’