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Ariyaratne
on Lester
By
Susitha R. Fernando
Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne’s biography on “Lester : Sri Lankawe
Agraganya Cinemawediya” (Lester: The Pre-eminent Filmmaker
in Sri Lanka) was launched last Monday at a special felicitation
ceremony to mark the 85th birth of Dr. Peiris at the Galle Face
Hotel.
Speaking
to Dr. Ariyaratne, TV Times learnt the reasons that drove him to
create such a magnificent literary work.
Under
what category can the book “Lester: Sri Lankawe Agraganya
Cinamavediya” classified?
Actually this is a “Coffee Table” book. That means it
is a large, expensive and profusely illustrated book of the kind
one would set on a coffee table for visitors to admire. This book
is meant to enhance social gathering or and will be a good book
for a “coffee morning” any day with its beautiful nostalgic
and heart warming illustrations.
What
made you to write such a book?
The idea for the book was born while both Lester and I were staying
at the Solaria hotel in Fukoka city. We were there for several weeks.
Even though I knew Lester James Peries as a loveable friend. I came
to know him quite intimately during this time. We were there for
the Fukoka International Film Festival 2002.
What
is the objective of producing such a book?
Lester is one of the three filmmakers who took Asian cinema to the
world. There are enough books written about the other two Asian
directors namely Akira Kurasowa and Satyajit Rai. Unfortunately
there is hardly anything written about this world acclaimed film
director who marked this tiny island in the world map with his cinematic
creations.
What
kind of contribution will this book have on the cinema?
For the development of the cinema it is essential to have a well-researched
cinema literature. In a country where there is no school to learn
cinema at least a rich literature should be available for those
who are interested to learn it.
Have
you any unforgettable moments you shared with Lester?
It takes me back to my first meeting with Lester. I had the gall
to ask Mr. Peries to certify the first 35 mm, 9 minute short film
I made as an amateur film director. As a young and rather inexperienced
undergraduate, I boldly invited him to view my film and Mr. Peries
being the man he was showed great understanding and compassion to
that young man by giving him a valued and much treasured certificate.
What
is the influence Mr. Peries had on you as a director?
I think it was that act that encouraged me to carry on. I was encouraged
and given the confidence to enter the world of films as a director,
scriptwriter and lyricist.
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