TV Times

TV Times

‘Dinkie’ halts - lack of funds
By Susitha R. Fernando
The National Film Corporation has selected the script written by Nanda Imbulgoda based on Rev. Fr. Don Peter's children’s story 'Dinkie' among the six films to be funded for the year 2005.

The Project launched by the NFC to produce Sri Lankan films with high artistic value, funds 75% of the cost for a film while the director has to pay the other 25 %.

Director Nanda Imbulgoda said that he was unable to produce 'Dinkie' as he was unable to find the sponsors to supply the deficit 25% which would amount to Rs. 3 million. The NFC provides Rs five million to be used for the completion of the first print.

As a result he has submitted the script and project plan for the film to the assessment committee of the NFC. The project to support the film directors by selecting the good script is an unprecedented laudable step taken by the Corporation. Yet to consider this children's film in the same category without providing any additional help or giving some precedence is neglecting the objective of producing high-class children's films said Imbulgoda at length.
Since Dinkie is a children's film that needs child actors and actresses and it also has a donkey in its main role and donkeys as a rule are stubborn and a large investment is needed and it will be a challenge.

Since this script was written by a well-known Catholic priest and a Rector Rev. Dr. Don Peter the director had sought the kind support of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Finance Minister Sarath Amunugama and Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike and the Film Corporation chairman Sunil S. Sirisena.

At present he is awaiting a reply to start direction on Dinkie.
"My script was selected with five others viz Vasantha Obeysekere, Sudath Mahadivulwewa. Anoma Rajakaruna, Roger Seneviratne and some of them have already completed the major part of the production in their films. But unfrotunately I am held up as I'm unable to raise Rs. 3 million Nanda said in a sad note.

"I requested that 75% may be given so that I could complete my film and with that I could search for a sponsor but the Corporation insisting that I should first show my share". Dinkie is also a heavy production that needs computer animations and etc.

"Mine is the only children film in this scheme and at a time there is hardly any film made for children I wish that special consideration be given 'Dinkie' at least for the sake of our children', says Mr. Imbulgoda.
Imbulgoda and cinema

Hailing from a background of theatre owners, Nanda Imbulgoda was a student from the final batch of in 'Kalapela' the course on arts organized by G. D. L. Perera in 1971. Having directed a documentary "Kaluganga' a 60 mm film, Nanda first entered cinema assisting Vijaya Abeygoda in his film 'Eya Den Loku Lamayek'.

Later Nanda was able to be the chief assistance director in Dr. Lester James Peries and 'Bridge on the River Kwai". Nanda also made a short film 'Arakka' (Liquor) and that was to registrar in the NFC as a filmmaker following then regulation to become a filmmaker.

Entering the miniscreen Nanda directed several teledramas both one episode and feature. "Illama" and "Hima Ketayak Diye Nove" are some of the directions.
He is also a member of the Film Technicians Guild.

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