Animated Hopes
While the country’s cinema industry is struggling with numerous problems and setbacks, young aspiring filmmakers seem to be making international recognitions for themselves using alternative platforms.
“Silent Sigh’, the debut film of Thiranjaya Dilhan, a professional graphic and animation artiste, was awarded as the film that received “Most Online votes in the International Category” at the recently held Focus on Ability Film Festival in Australia.
In 2005, Thiranjaya studied at Wijaya Graphics, followed a 3D Modeling and Animation Diploma at Ingrin where he won the Gold Medal. In 2013 he studied HND in 3D Animation and Visual Effects. At present Thiranjaya works at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.
The ‘Silent Sigh’ film team included Hasara Romel, Rasika Randunige and J. C. Nuwan. Thiranjaya thanked Nilan Coorey, Thissa Surendra, Tharindu Jayawickrema and Ayma Jayasinghe for the support given to realise his filmmaking dream.
Presented in the International Short Film category, Thiranjaya’s ‘Silent Sigh’ narrates about a busker adding colour to his street. The tone is beautiful in terms of colour, sound and content. It’s intent is subtle. The ending is profound. The film was selected out of 297 films presented by 28 countries.
Having watched Thiranjaya’s film, the jury comprising filmmakers, producers and scriptwriters from Hollywood and film critics stated, “Silent Sigh” is a 3-D animation that shows us how face-to-face contact with people is so very important in today’s world. The vivid coluor palette and melancholy music create an evocative blend of optimistism and wistfullness,”.
The recognition is special to Sri Lanka as a country, as this is the first time that a 3D animated film that was completely produced here won an international recognition. Thiranjaya had been in the industry for nearly 12 years and his earlier creations had been nominated in a number of local festivals and awards ceremonies including State Television awards.
The other winners at the Focus on Ability Film Festival are; the NOVA Choice Award by Maya Linsky – ‘Not In Nature’, Judges Choice – Short Film ‘Look for Me’ by Miriam Fox, Judges Choice – Documentary by Steven Fraser ‘What It Feels Like’. In the open entrant winners; Judges’ Choice Short Film by Sebastian Chan – ‘Bus Trip’, Judges Choice Documentary winner – Kasimir Burgess -‘Paul’, Best Director Life force Centre For Learning – Whycroft Legacy.
Held for the 10th consecutive year by NOVA Employment, the festival requested filmmakers to ‘Focus on the Ability’ of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view.
A scene from ‘Silent Sigh’
In 2009, CEO of NOVA Employment Martin Wren began the festival with a belief in the ability of people with disability, and the goal of bringing that belief to the world through the medium of film. Martin recognised the power of film to challenge people’s fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disabilities around the world.
NOVA, together with Paula Duncan, known for both her success in the Australian film and television industry and passion for supporting people with disability, have worked tirelessly to bring this festival to the world.
According to the organisers, the Focus on Ability Film Festival is for people of all talent levels with many first time filmmakers taking out major prizes.
In 2017, 210 films were entered from 19 countries. Some of the selected films are to be screened in TVs across Australia and other countries. In 2017, 10 films had been screened across Australia’s free to air television station SBS and 90 films were aired on Foxtel through Aurora TV, and the festival held additional screenings in New York, Melbourne, Auckland, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Thiranjaya receiving a merit award from Fr. Ernest Poruthota at the 2011 SIGNIS Salutations.
Thiranjaya Dilhan with his award
