Women’s struggle against violation at the FTZ
View(s):Film ‘Theja’ from March 7
Filmmaker Nilantha Hapanweera is now ready with his maiden directorial venture ‘Theja’ (Battle for the Rights), an inspiring tale against the exploitation of the female workers in Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Zone (FTZ) which produce garments for the international market. The film which has been completed few years ago will be released on March 7.
Written by Hapanweera himself, the film features a group of internationally acclaimed stars including Nita Fernando, Mahendra Perera and Iranganie Serasinghe together with a talented cast comprising Anuruddhika Padukkage, Sujani Menaka, Dharmapriya Dias and Srimal Wedisinghe
Set in the early 1980s, the time during which FTZ were introduced to Sri Lanka with a massive project opening garment factories around the country, the story depicts the oppressive management system and a pathetic working conditions that were enforced at the garment factories.
Helpless girls inspired by a female trade union leader launches a frantic struggle against the devastating working conditions. Theja, the protagonist is a dutiful wife and a mother but her fate changes when her husband meets with an accident and she was forced to play duel roles as the mother and the breadwinner of the house. She is inspired by Irene a dedicated and smart trade union activist. Strengthen by her mentor, Theja tries the strength of the human spirit against the human rights violation, social injustice and the unexpected adversities at the factory.
Theja and the co-workers together with Irene undertake a difficult and dangerous struggle and unionise her factory, resulting in victory for the union and leads to a shutdown of the factory.
The factory owners with the political power leave no stone unturned to stop the labour struggle and keep the workers under control. Behind the camera, executive producer of the film is Maheel Perera and director of photography is Kavinda Ranaweera, and editor is Stanley de Alwis. Music directed by Nawaratne Gamage, art director is Manjula Ayagama and make is by Mano Selvaraj and Hansaka Sucheera. ‘Theja’ is jointly produced by Nita Fernanod and Thilanka Perera.
(SF)
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