‘Samy’ looking for a co-producer

By Susitha R. Fernando

Priyankara Vithanachchi's maiden cinema direction based on Elmo Jayawardena's Gratiaen award novel 'Samy's story'- Samige Kathawa needs a co-producer to bring it to the public screening.

To an industry filled with films made around low grade so called comedies, cheap love stories or films depicting women's, Samy's Story' is an innovative and novel approach to Sri Lankan filmmaking. A poor, uneducated, simpleton's concept of the ethnic conflict, the film narrates a touching tale that had never before been experimented by any filmmaker.

Born a mentally retarded eldest in a financially constrained family Siriratne takes up a job as a domestic aide in a house in which his landlords are foreigners. There he is baptized as 'Sam'. Unable to find a job, Jaya, Sam's younger brother enlists in the army and is killed in battle. This makes Sam hate Tamils.

Abused by a fellow servant and unable to bear the harshness Sam leaves the house. And he finds himself fortunate to find a house with a kind hearted landlord and his children. But Sam had to work with two other domestic aides, Gowri and Selva who are Tamils.

Playing the lead as Sam, young talented actor Jagath Chamila brings a superb performance that would merit an award. Supporting him in the stellar cast are Sanath Gunathilaka, Menik Kurukulasuriya, Nilmini Buwaneka, Victor Ramanayake, Kusum Perera and Thesara Jayawardane.

"People are under the impression that it needs a typical mainstream film with fights, dances and songs to become a financially successful film," said the director, Priyankara speaking about the film.

Vithanachchi who is also the producer of the film is confident that 'Samige Kathawa', a classic in its genre would be a financial success as well. However the film is held up at the post-production stage awaiting a co-producer who would join him for the printing of the copies and advertising for the release.Realising his childhood dream of making a 'good' film, Vithanachchi's maiden effort is about a simpleton who is ignored by the world.

Describing his plans for the film release "I have plans to release the movie internationally through international film festivals," Vithanachchi said. In addition to being a filmmaker, Priyankara is also a businessman running his own businesses.