Sri Lankan cinema shines in Korea
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By Susitha Fernando
Recognising Sri Lankan arduous journey in cinema battling with 26-year long civil war and economic crisis and many more, the Korean Film Archive (KOFA) screens a selection of Sri Lankan films some of which are landmarks in country’s cinema history.
Organised by Cinematheque attached to the KOFA, ‘Sri-Lankan Film Screening Programme’ under the title ‘Scars of Paradise, Light Beyond’ started on March 27 will go on till April 16 at the Cinematheque 2 of the Koran Film Archives.
Lester
“This film retrospective explores the rich history and evolution of Sri Lankan cinema, from timeless classics to contemporary works reflecting the country’s post-war social changes,” the KOFA stated.
The festival features celebrated directors such as Lester James Peries, Dharmasena Pathiraja, Vimukthi Jayasundara, and Prasanna Vithanage, the programme showcases their most influential films.
“It also highlights a new generation of filmmakers redefining the industry, addressing themes of war, identity, and economic crisis. Offering a rare opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Sri Lankan cinema, this programme includes exclusive screenings, lectures, and discussions, providing deeper insights into its artistic and historical significance.
During the festival award winning filmmaker Sanjeewa Pushpakumara who is reading for higher studies in Cinema are to deliver a talk on the pioneers and the journey of Sri Lankan cinema.
A scene from 'Bambaru Avith"
The festival screens Lester James Peries’ ‘Rekava’ (Line of Destiny), Dharmasena Pathiraja’s ‘Bambaru Avith’ (The Wasps Are Here), Vimukthi Jayasundara’s ‘The Forsaken Land’ and ‘Between Two Worlds’, Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘With you, Without you’ and Indian joint production ‘Paradise’. Sanjeewa Pushpakumara’s ‘Igillena Maluwo’ (Flysing Fish) and ‘Dewena Vihagun’ (Burning Bird) and ‘Peacock Lament’, Prasanna Jayakody’s ‘28’, Visakesa Chandrasekaram’s Munnel and Ilango Ram’s ‘Nelun Kuluna’(Tentigo).
Among the main aims the KOFA, it has done its best to create a more profound cinematheque culture. And it is also a space where a variety of classic and artistic films, both domestic and foreign, are screened for their fundamental greatness and value, many of which have been imperiled both physically and culturally by the passage of time. These include films which have been forgotten by audiences as well as those whose values have never been properly recognised.
“Motion picture film forms an indispensable part of our cultural heritage and a unique record of our history and our daily lives. Film archives, both public and private, are the organisations responsible for acquiring, safeguarding, documenting and making films available to current and future generations for study and pleasure,,” the KOFA stated.
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