Sales
International sales agent Incredible Film has secured global distribution rights to “Amsterdamned II,” the sequel to Dick Maas’ 1988 cult classic, “Amsterdamned.” Veteran Dutch actor Huub Stapel reprises his role as detective Eric Visser, who once pursued a serial killer through the Dutch canals three decades ago, as he is brought back from retirement by a revelation that shakes him to his core. In the sequel, also directed by Maas, Visser and fellow detective Tara Lee fight against an evil that threatens them and the city of Amsterdam.
The film is a coproduction from the Netherlands’ 2CFilm and Parachute Pictures and Belgium’s Potemkino. Production is set to begin later this year, with release scheduled for 2025, in time for the city of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.
Daniëlle Raaphorst, CEO of Incredible Film, said: “Three decades ago, the chilling horror ‘Amsterdamned’ gripped audiences around the world. Now, we are delighted to be representing the sequel.
International sales agent Incredible Film has secured global distribution rights to “Amsterdamned II,” the sequel to Dick Maas’ 1988 cult classic, “Amsterdamned.” Veteran Dutch actor Huub Stapel reprises his role as detective Eric Visser, who once pursued a serial killer through the Dutch canals three decades ago, as he is brought back from retirement by a revelation that shakes him to his core. In the sequel, also directed by Maas, Visser and fellow detective Tara Lee fight against an evil that threatens them and the city of Amsterdam.
The film is a coproduction from the Netherlands’ 2CFilm and Parachute Pictures and Belgium’s Potemkino. Production is set to begin later this year, with release scheduled for 2025, in time for the city of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.
Daniëlle Raaphorst, CEO of Incredible Film, said: “Three decades ago, the chilling horror ‘Amsterdamned’ gripped audiences around the world. Now, we are delighted to be representing the sequel.
- 5/14/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Kochi, April 29 ( Ians) Actors Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew-starrer Malayalam film ‘Paradise’ won the Audience Jury Award at the 23rd Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain.
Directed by Prasanna Vithanage and co-written by Prasanna and Anushka Senanayake, ‘Paradise’, is a tale of emotion, struggle, and resilience.
Produced by Newton Cinemas and presented by Mani Ratnam under the banner of his production company, Madras Talkies, ‘Paradise’ is the first Indian film shot entirely in Sri Lanka.
The audience award is conferred by pre-selected members of the audience, chosen from among the feature films showcased in the Official Feature Films Section of the festival.
The award was received by the director at the closing ceremony of the festival.
Sri Lankan author Prasanna Vithanage’s 10th directorial venture, features a cast, including Darshana Rajendran, Roshan Mathew, Shyam Fernando, and Mahendra Perera.
The crew, including Rajeev Ravi handled cinematography,...
Directed by Prasanna Vithanage and co-written by Prasanna and Anushka Senanayake, ‘Paradise’, is a tale of emotion, struggle, and resilience.
Produced by Newton Cinemas and presented by Mani Ratnam under the banner of his production company, Madras Talkies, ‘Paradise’ is the first Indian film shot entirely in Sri Lanka.
The audience award is conferred by pre-selected members of the audience, chosen from among the feature films showcased in the Official Feature Films Section of the festival.
The award was received by the director at the closing ceremony of the festival.
Sri Lankan author Prasanna Vithanage’s 10th directorial venture, features a cast, including Darshana Rajendran, Roshan Mathew, Shyam Fernando, and Mahendra Perera.
The crew, including Rajeev Ravi handled cinematography,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
India premieres of France’s “The Taste of Things” and Korea’s “Exhuma” will open and close respectively the first edition of India’s Cinevesture International Film Festival.
Tran Anh Hung won best director at Cannes 2023 for “The Taste of Things,” which was subsequently submitted as France’s official entry to the Oscars’ international feature category. Jang Jae-hyun’s “Exhuma” is Korea’s biggest box office hit of 2024.
International highlights of the program include Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning “The Zone of Interest,” Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster,” Darren Aronivsky’s “The Whale,” starring Brendan Fraser, Steffi Niederzoll’s Berlinale winner “Seven Winters in Tehran,” Anthony Chen’s Singapore Oscar entry “Breaking Ice” and Prasanna Vithanage’s Busan-winning “Paradise.”
Indian films include Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s Toronto winner “Sthal,” Karan Tejpal’s Venice title “Stolen,” Rima Das’ Toronto title “Tora’s Husband,” Gurvinder Singh’s Rotterdam film “Adh Chanani Raat,” Lijo Jose Pellissery...
Tran Anh Hung won best director at Cannes 2023 for “The Taste of Things,” which was subsequently submitted as France’s official entry to the Oscars’ international feature category. Jang Jae-hyun’s “Exhuma” is Korea’s biggest box office hit of 2024.
International highlights of the program include Jonathan Glazer’s Oscar-winning “The Zone of Interest,” Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Monster,” Darren Aronivsky’s “The Whale,” starring Brendan Fraser, Steffi Niederzoll’s Berlinale winner “Seven Winters in Tehran,” Anthony Chen’s Singapore Oscar entry “Breaking Ice” and Prasanna Vithanage’s Busan-winning “Paradise.”
Indian films include Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s Toronto winner “Sthal,” Karan Tejpal’s Venice title “Stolen,” Rima Das’ Toronto title “Tora’s Husband,” Gurvinder Singh’s Rotterdam film “Adh Chanani Raat,” Lijo Jose Pellissery...
- 3/11/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winner Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s formalist arthouse drama Evil Does Not Exist won the best film prize Sunday night at the Asia Film Awards in Hong Kong.
The Japanese film industry had a big night overall at the 17th edition of the awards ceremony, which was hosted this year in Hong Kong’s gleaming new Xiqu Centre, part of the city’s $2.7 billion West Kowloon Cultural District development. Japanese festival favorite Hirokazu Kore-eda won best director for his mystery drama Monster, while the great Koji Yakusho took best actor for Wim Wender’s moving minimalist drama Perfect Days. Hamaguchi’s chief collaborator on Evil Does Not Exist, Eiko Ishibashi, won best music and the Kaiju critical and commercial sensation Godzilla Minus One claimed both best visual effects and best sound.
In many ways, it was Zhang Yimou’s night, however. The venerated Chinese director took the stage twice, once to...
The Japanese film industry had a big night overall at the 17th edition of the awards ceremony, which was hosted this year in Hong Kong’s gleaming new Xiqu Centre, part of the city’s $2.7 billion West Kowloon Cultural District development. Japanese festival favorite Hirokazu Kore-eda won best director for his mystery drama Monster, while the great Koji Yakusho took best actor for Wim Wender’s moving minimalist drama Perfect Days. Hamaguchi’s chief collaborator on Evil Does Not Exist, Eiko Ishibashi, won best music and the Kaiju critical and commercial sensation Godzilla Minus One claimed both best visual effects and best sound.
In many ways, it was Zhang Yimou’s night, however. The venerated Chinese director took the stage twice, once to...
- 3/10/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s “Evil Does Not Exist,” was Sunday evening named as the best picture at the Asian Film Awards.
The 17th edition of the prizes was held at the Xiqu Centre, part of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong.
While “Evil Does Not Exist” and Korean blockbuster “12.12: The Day” had dominated the nominations with six each, including those in the best film category, the prizes on Sunday were much more evenly distributed. No title collected more than two prizes.
Outside, crowds failed to be muted by the March drizzle, though VIP guests were given escorts with purple umbrellas.
Filmmaker and industry attendance was also robust. Those spotted on the red carpet and pre-event cocktails included: Lee Yong Kwan (former chair of the Busan film festival), Tom Yoda, Udine festival heads Sabrina Baracetti and Thomas Bertacche, Anthony Chen, Stanley Kwan, Rina Damayanti, Hong Kong distributor Winnie Tsang,...
The 17th edition of the prizes was held at the Xiqu Centre, part of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong.
While “Evil Does Not Exist” and Korean blockbuster “12.12: The Day” had dominated the nominations with six each, including those in the best film category, the prizes on Sunday were much more evenly distributed. No title collected more than two prizes.
Outside, crowds failed to be muted by the March drizzle, though VIP guests were given escorts with purple umbrellas.
Filmmaker and industry attendance was also robust. Those spotted on the red carpet and pre-event cocktails included: Lee Yong Kwan (former chair of the Busan film festival), Tom Yoda, Udine festival heads Sabrina Baracetti and Thomas Bertacche, Anthony Chen, Stanley Kwan, Rina Damayanti, Hong Kong distributor Winnie Tsang,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Indian sales outfit Indywood Distribution Network has sold Rupesh Paul’s “Kamasutra — The Revenge” wide ahead of Hong Kong’s film rights market FilMart.
Starring Sherlyn Chopra, Milind Gunaji and Gajendra Chauhan, and produced by San2Creations, the film follows two princesses — one who is robbed of her dreams when forced to accept a middle-aged king as her husband, and another thirsty for revenge.
Indywood has sold the film to Twin, A2 Filmes (Latin America TV/VOD), Filmbridge, Pioneer Film and Rft Films.
The company has an extensive FilMart slate that also includes Sri Lankan auteur Prasanna Vithanage’s “Paradise,” winner of the Kim Jiseok award at Busan 2023 and nominated in four categories at the Asian Film Awards. Produced by Newton Cinema and starring Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran and Shyam Fernando, the film follows an Indian couple who arrive in the hill country of crisis-ridden Sri Lanka to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
Starring Sherlyn Chopra, Milind Gunaji and Gajendra Chauhan, and produced by San2Creations, the film follows two princesses — one who is robbed of her dreams when forced to accept a middle-aged king as her husband, and another thirsty for revenge.
Indywood has sold the film to Twin, A2 Filmes (Latin America TV/VOD), Filmbridge, Pioneer Film and Rft Films.
The company has an extensive FilMart slate that also includes Sri Lankan auteur Prasanna Vithanage’s “Paradise,” winner of the Kim Jiseok award at Busan 2023 and nominated in four categories at the Asian Film Awards. Produced by Newton Cinema and starring Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran and Shyam Fernando, the film follows an Indian couple who arrive in the hill country of crisis-ridden Sri Lanka to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
- 3/10/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The late Pema Tseden’s “Snow Leopard” (China) won the top prize, the Golden Cyclo, at the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema on Tuesday.
The film, which previously won awards at the Tokyo and Hainan festivals, also won Vesoul’s National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco) jury prize and actor Tseten Tashi scored a jury special mention. Pema Tseden (aka Wanmacaidan) died in May last year, age 53.
The grand jury award went to Kenzhebek Shaikakov’s “Scream” (Kazakhstan), which also won the Netpac award and the Mark Haaz award. “Scream” actors Orynbek Shaimaganbetov and Arnur Akram were accorded a jury prize special mention. The film shared the Mark Haaz award with Rajesh Jala’s “The Spark” (India), which also had a special mention at the film critics’ award.
“Solids by The Seashore” by Patiparn Boontarig (Thailand) won the jury prize and also the Inalco favorite award.
The film, which previously won awards at the Tokyo and Hainan festivals, also won Vesoul’s National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (Inalco) jury prize and actor Tseten Tashi scored a jury special mention. Pema Tseden (aka Wanmacaidan) died in May last year, age 53.
The grand jury award went to Kenzhebek Shaikakov’s “Scream” (Kazakhstan), which also won the Netpac award and the Mark Haaz award. “Scream” actors Orynbek Shaimaganbetov and Arnur Akram were accorded a jury prize special mention. The film shared the Mark Haaz award with Rajesh Jala’s “The Spark” (India), which also had a special mention at the film critics’ award.
“Solids by The Seashore” by Patiparn Boontarig (Thailand) won the jury prize and also the Inalco favorite award.
- 2/14/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Taiwan and India in the spotlight at the 30th Vesoul Iff of Asian Cinema
The 30th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema will feature 92 films, including 52 never-before-seen films from 29 countries, under the banner of commitment!
Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Iranian director with 60 international awards to his credit, is President of the Jury. Other members include Taiwanese director Zero Chou, winner of the Golden Bear at Berlin 2007, Fatemed Motamed-Arya, the most awarded Iranian actress in the history of Iranian cinema, and Japanese actor Shogen, cinema ambassador at the Sea-Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival.
The 17 films in the fiction and documentary competitions come from China, Korea, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal and Taiwan. Four are French premieres, six European premieres, five international premieres and two world premieres.
Feature Film Competition :
China: All Ears by Liu Jiayin – China (Tibet): The Snow Leopard by Pema Tseden – Korea: Work to...
The 30th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema will feature 92 films, including 52 never-before-seen films from 29 countries, under the banner of commitment!
Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Iranian director with 60 international awards to his credit, is President of the Jury. Other members include Taiwanese director Zero Chou, winner of the Golden Bear at Berlin 2007, Fatemed Motamed-Arya, the most awarded Iranian actress in the history of Iranian cinema, and Japanese actor Shogen, cinema ambassador at the Sea-Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival.
The 17 films in the fiction and documentary competitions come from China, Korea, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal and Taiwan. Four are French premieres, six European premieres, five international premieres and two world premieres.
Feature Film Competition :
China: All Ears by Liu Jiayin – China (Tibet): The Snow Leopard by Pema Tseden – Korea: Work to...
- 2/1/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
A total of 35 films from 24 countries and regions have been shortlisted to compete for 16 awards at this year's Asian Film Awards.
Renowned Japanese director Kurosawa Kiyoshi will serve as the Jury President for this year's Awards. As the first Japanese director to hold this position, Kurosawa Kiyoshi is deeply honored. He will lead the Jury and over 200 Voting Members in selecting the winners for this year's Asian Film Awards.
The winners of other Afa awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, Afa Next Generation Award, and Rising Star Award, will be announced later.
The 17th Asian Film Awards Nomination List
Best Film
12.12: The Day (South Korea)
Evil Does Not Exist (Japan)
Paradise
Perfect Days (Japan)
Snow Leopard (Mainland China)
Best Director
Kim Sung-soo | 12.12: The Day (South Korea)
Gu Xiaogang | Dwelling by the West Lake (Mainland China)
Hamaguchi Ryusuke | Evil Does Not Exist (Japan)
Kore-eda Hirokazu...
Renowned Japanese director Kurosawa Kiyoshi will serve as the Jury President for this year's Awards. As the first Japanese director to hold this position, Kurosawa Kiyoshi is deeply honored. He will lead the Jury and over 200 Voting Members in selecting the winners for this year's Asian Film Awards.
The winners of other Afa awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, Afa Next Generation Award, and Rising Star Award, will be announced later.
The 17th Asian Film Awards Nomination List
Best Film
12.12: The Day (South Korea)
Evil Does Not Exist (Japan)
Paradise
Perfect Days (Japan)
Snow Leopard (Mainland China)
Best Director
Kim Sung-soo | 12.12: The Day (South Korea)
Gu Xiaogang | Dwelling by the West Lake (Mainland China)
Hamaguchi Ryusuke | Evil Does Not Exist (Japan)
Kore-eda Hirokazu...
- 1/12/2024
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
‘Snow Leopard’, ‘Paradise’, ‘The Goldfinger’ and ‘Godzilla Minus One’ also land multiple nods.
South Korean box office hit 12.12: The Day and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist lead the nominations for the 17th Asian Film Awards, with six nods each including best film.
Also up for best film is Prasanna Vithanage’s Paradise from Sri Lanka-India, Wim Wenders Perfect Days from Japan and Chinese feature Snow Leopard by the late Pema Tseden.
Scroll down for full list of nominations
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Hong Kong on March 10 and will be decided by a...
South Korean box office hit 12.12: The Day and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist lead the nominations for the 17th Asian Film Awards, with six nods each including best film.
Also up for best film is Prasanna Vithanage’s Paradise from Sri Lanka-India, Wim Wenders Perfect Days from Japan and Chinese feature Snow Leopard by the late Pema Tseden.
Scroll down for full list of nominations
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Hong Kong on March 10 and will be decided by a...
- 1/12/2024
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Japanese filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest feature, Evil Does Not Exist, and the period action pic 12.12: The Day, from Korea, lead the nominations at this year’s Asian Film Awards.
Both films received six nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Directed by Kim Sung-soo, whose credits include Asura: The City Of Madness and The Flu, 12.12: The Day is set against the backdrop of the real-life military coup of 1979, which resulted in an eight-year military junta in South Korea. The cast includes Hwang Jung-min (The Wailing), Jung Woo-sung (Asura: The City Of Madness), and Lee Sung-min (The Spy Gone North). Released on November 22, the film sailed past the 12 million admissions mark at the Korean box office over the Christmas holiday period, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023 in the market.
Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist — which debuted out of Venice — follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live...
Both films received six nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Directed by Kim Sung-soo, whose credits include Asura: The City Of Madness and The Flu, 12.12: The Day is set against the backdrop of the real-life military coup of 1979, which resulted in an eight-year military junta in South Korea. The cast includes Hwang Jung-min (The Wailing), Jung Woo-sung (Asura: The City Of Madness), and Lee Sung-min (The Spy Gone North). Released on November 22, the film sailed past the 12 million admissions mark at the Korean box office over the Christmas holiday period, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023 in the market.
Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist — which debuted out of Venice — follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live...
- 1/12/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The first edition of the Alternativa Film Project wrapped with an award ceremony this weekend in Almaty, the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, with filmmakers from Central Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region being feted as part of a new initiative launched by the California-based tech company inDrive, best known for its ride-hailing app.
The event marked a successful close to what organizers hope will be an ongoing non-profit initiative aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers from under-developed film industries. Along with this weekend’s award ceremony, the Alternativa Film Project is developing a multi-pronged approach that includes training labs, public film screenings, pitching workshops and networking events.
The project’s emphasis is on movies that champion efforts to combat social injustice in the world. “We want to motivate talented filmmakers to create meaningful art, impactful art,” said inDrive CEO Arsen Tomsky.
In keeping with that focus, the awards — which were accompanied...
The event marked a successful close to what organizers hope will be an ongoing non-profit initiative aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers from under-developed film industries. Along with this weekend’s award ceremony, the Alternativa Film Project is developing a multi-pronged approach that includes training labs, public film screenings, pitching workshops and networking events.
The project’s emphasis is on movies that champion efforts to combat social injustice in the world. “We want to motivate talented filmmakers to create meaningful art, impactful art,” said inDrive CEO Arsen Tomsky.
In keeping with that focus, the awards — which were accompanied...
- 12/4/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
As I have mentioned many times this year, it seems that Sri Lanka is taking big steps forward regarding cinema, with all the three movies I managed to watch this year being quite good. As such, I thought it would be also interesting to check what was happening the previous years, starting with “Peacock Lament” by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, one the most renowned local directors, along with Prasanna Vithanage.
“Peacock Lament” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Amila is a 19-year-old boy who was born in a small village in Eastern Sri Lanka. After losing his parents, he moves to Colombo in search of a better life for him and his four younger siblings, two brothers – 14-year-old and 1-year-old – and two sisters – the elder, Inoka, is 12 and their little sister 5. Inoka is suffering from a congenital heart defect, a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. The doctor recommends Amila...
“Peacock Lament” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Amila is a 19-year-old boy who was born in a small village in Eastern Sri Lanka. After losing his parents, he moves to Colombo in search of a better life for him and his four younger siblings, two brothers – 14-year-old and 1-year-old – and two sisters – the elder, Inoka, is 12 and their little sister 5. Inoka is suffering from a congenital heart defect, a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. The doctor recommends Amila...
- 11/30/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
by Jean-Marc Thérouanne
I first met Prasanna Vithanage in 1997 at the Fribourg International Film Festival. He was presenting “Death on a Full Moon Day”, and it was for me an aesthetic shock. I admired Prasanna Vithanage's subtle analysis of the complexity of feelings and the subtlety of his direction.
Since then, several of his films have been shown at Vesoul International Film festival of Asian Cinema: Walls Within, August Sun, Flowers of the Sky, With you, Without you, Children of the Sun, where he won numerous awards: Cyclo d'or, Jury Prize, x Netpac Prize, …
I couldn't wait to see the world premiere of his latest opus, Paradise, at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in early October 2023.
Check also this interview
Comfortably seated in an armchair at the Busan Cinema Center, I was initially taken aback by the first images, which seemed to come out of a tourist advertising clip.
I first met Prasanna Vithanage in 1997 at the Fribourg International Film Festival. He was presenting “Death on a Full Moon Day”, and it was for me an aesthetic shock. I admired Prasanna Vithanage's subtle analysis of the complexity of feelings and the subtlety of his direction.
Since then, several of his films have been shown at Vesoul International Film festival of Asian Cinema: Walls Within, August Sun, Flowers of the Sky, With you, Without you, Children of the Sun, where he won numerous awards: Cyclo d'or, Jury Prize, x Netpac Prize, …
I couldn't wait to see the world premiere of his latest opus, Paradise, at the 28th Busan International Film Festival in early October 2023.
Check also this interview
Comfortably seated in an armchair at the Busan Cinema Center, I was initially taken aback by the first images, which seemed to come out of a tourist advertising clip.
- 11/17/2023
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
It seems that Sri Lankan cinema is having a great year in 2023, with films like “Paradise” by Prasanna Vithanage and “Whispering Mountains”by Jagath Manuwarna. Visakesa Chandrasekaram follows in the same path with his latest feature, “Sand”, a movie that deals with the intense wound the war has left in the country.
In Water is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival
Five years after the Sri Lankan war, Rudran, a young man, is facing trial as an ex-Tamil Tiger militant, but is released on bail due to a debilitating leg injury. He returns to his village in the North Province with his mother, an aging soothsayer. While she spends her days in the spiritual realm, attempting to locate the whereabouts of those who have disappeared for a village community deeply bereaved, he spends his searching for his old girlfriend Vaani, in rehabilitation, and in the court for his trial.
In Water is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival
Five years after the Sri Lankan war, Rudran, a young man, is facing trial as an ex-Tamil Tiger militant, but is released on bail due to a debilitating leg injury. He returns to his village in the North Province with his mother, an aging soothsayer. While she spends her days in the spiritual realm, attempting to locate the whereabouts of those who have disappeared for a village community deeply bereaved, he spends his searching for his old girlfriend Vaani, in rehabilitation, and in the court for his trial.
- 11/10/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Paradise, directed by Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, is playing in the Icons: South Asia section of Mumbai Film Festival, fresh from its world premiere at Busan International Film Festival where it won the Jiseok Award.
The film follows an Indian couple on holiday in Sri Lanka, where they are touring the Ramayana Trail, a set of locations connected to the Indian mythological epic, just as the country’s economic crisis is starting to kick off. Despite the beauty and signs of impending chaos around them, the husband seems more preoccupied with the Netflix commission he’s just won, prioritizing his professional ambitions, while the wife questions the tour guide’s interpretation of the Ramayana.
When the couple are held at knifepoint and have their phones and laptops stolen, they ask for help from a stoic local police officer who quickly produces three suspects. Their relationship is then severely tested...
The film follows an Indian couple on holiday in Sri Lanka, where they are touring the Ramayana Trail, a set of locations connected to the Indian mythological epic, just as the country’s economic crisis is starting to kick off. Despite the beauty and signs of impending chaos around them, the husband seems more preoccupied with the Netflix commission he’s just won, prioritizing his professional ambitions, while the wife questions the tour guide’s interpretation of the Ramayana.
When the couple are held at knifepoint and have their phones and laptops stolen, they ask for help from a stoic local police officer who quickly produces three suspects. Their relationship is then severely tested...
- 11/2/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
New Delhi, Oct 22 (Ians) There is politics of the personal and the country. Rewind to the situation in Sri Lanka when the economic crisis hit, and citizens were out on the street agitating and demanding some semblance of ‘normalcy’. Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage’s International film ‘Paradise’, which won the Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film at the Busan International Film Festival 2023 where it recently had its World Premiere, revolves around a tourist couple from India who are in the island nation at that time and explores their struggles with societal, personal, and internal challenges.
“It is only through crisis that we reveal ourselves completely — and think about the concept of paradise, a space enveloped in so-called perfection. In ‘normal’ circumstances, it is only a tiny part of us that comes through. Not to mention, personal is political and vice-versa,” he tells Ians.
Starring Malayalam actors Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran,...
“It is only through crisis that we reveal ourselves completely — and think about the concept of paradise, a space enveloped in so-called perfection. In ‘normal’ circumstances, it is only a tiny part of us that comes through. Not to mention, personal is political and vice-versa,” he tells Ians.
Starring Malayalam actors Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran,...
- 10/22/2023
- by Agency News Desk
New Delhi, Oct 22 (Ians) There is politics of the personal and the country. Rewind to the situation in Sri Lanka when the economic crisis hit, and citizens were out on the street agitating and demanding some semblance of ‘normalcy’. Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage’s International film ‘Paradise’, which won the Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film at the Busan International Film Festival 2023 where it recently had its World Premiere, revolves around a tourist couple from India who are in the island nation at that time and explores their struggles with societal, personal, and internal challenges.
“It is only through crisis that we reveal ourselves completely — and think about the concept of paradise, a space enveloped in so-called perfection. In ‘normal’ circumstances, it is only a tiny part of us that comes through. Not to mention, personal is political and vice-versa,” he tells Ians.
Starring Malayalam actors Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran,...
“It is only through crisis that we reveal ourselves completely — and think about the concept of paradise, a space enveloped in so-called perfection. In ‘normal’ circumstances, it is only a tiny part of us that comes through. Not to mention, personal is political and vice-versa,” he tells Ians.
Starring Malayalam actors Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran,...
- 10/22/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
It was a weird year for Busan in terms of selection, particularly because this time, there were no definite masterpieces particularly among the Korean and Japanese titles, who are usually the source of this kind of films. At the same time, though, the industry seems to gradually pick up once more after the Covid impact, as one could find a really significant number of good and very good films in the selection, highlighting the progress of Asian cinema this year. Furthermore, the choice to focus on Indonesian cinema was an ideal one, considering that the future of Asian movies seems to lie, currently, somewhere among the Asean countries, particularly story-wise. Furthermore, the South Asian entries also were particularly strong this year, cementing what we just mentioned. Lastly, and in a trend that seems to be picking up during the last few years, the short selection seems even more interesting on occasion that the features…...
- 10/22/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Presenting a total of 269 films, including 80 world premieres, the 28th edition of the Busan International Film Festival concluded earlier this month, closing out with Andy Lau’s comedy The Movie Emperor. In addition to screenings, the festival hosted talks and master classes, with over 250 guests participating, notably Chow Yun Fat, Luc Besson, Fan Bingbing, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Over 40 countries and more than 900 companies took part in the festival’s adjoining Asian Contents & Film Market section, while special programs addressed the Korean Diaspora and the Renaissance of Indonesian Cinema.
Along with international favorites like Poor Things, The Beast, and Anatomy of a Fall, Biff offered films from Korea, mainland China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, spotlighting emerging filmmakers like Iqbal H. Chowdhury, Chia Chee Sum (Oasis of Now), and Mirlan Abdykalykov (Jiseok award-winner Bride Kidnapping).
Here are five standouts from the crowded schedule:
Work to Do (Park Hong-jun)
With Work to Do,...
Along with international favorites like Poor Things, The Beast, and Anatomy of a Fall, Biff offered films from Korea, mainland China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, spotlighting emerging filmmakers like Iqbal H. Chowdhury, Chia Chee Sum (Oasis of Now), and Mirlan Abdykalykov (Jiseok award-winner Bride Kidnapping).
Here are five standouts from the crowded schedule:
Work to Do (Park Hong-jun)
With Work to Do,...
- 10/20/2023
- by Daniel Eagan
- The Film Stage
Winner of the Kim Jiseok Award for the Best Film at Busan International Film Festival 2023, “Paradise” is a movie that tries to make a number of sociopolitical comments, through an intensely ironic approach that is also as pointed as possible.
Paradise is screening at Busan International Film Festival
Indian film producer Kesav and blogger Amritha are a married couple who arrive in Sri Lanka to tour the ancient sites of the Hindu epic Ramayana. As the time of their tour is happening during the height of the crisis in the country, experiencing a bankruptcy that has made even basic necessities scarce and unaffordable, the presence of tourists is like a blessing for the locals, who bend head over heels to please them, with the guide of the couple being the first.
Kesav is a snob from the beginning, but his behavior becomes even worse when he receives a call informing...
Paradise is screening at Busan International Film Festival
Indian film producer Kesav and blogger Amritha are a married couple who arrive in Sri Lanka to tour the ancient sites of the Hindu epic Ramayana. As the time of their tour is happening during the height of the crisis in the country, experiencing a bankruptcy that has made even basic necessities scarce and unaffordable, the presence of tourists is like a blessing for the locals, who bend head over heels to please them, with the guide of the couple being the first.
Kesav is a snob from the beginning, but his behavior becomes even worse when he receives a call informing...
- 10/14/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The Wrestler, directed by Bangladeshi-Canadian filmmaker Iqbal H. Chowdhury, and September 1923, from Japan’s Tatsuya Mori, picked up the New Currents Awards as Busan International Film Festival wrapped a busy 28th edition on October 13.
Chowdhury’s film tells the story of an eccentric fisherman who learns a traditional form of wrestling to take on the village champion, while September 1923, the debut fiction film of documentary filmmaker Mori, revolves around the massacre that took place after the Great Kanto earthquake 100 years ago.
The Kim Jiseok Award, presented to films in Busan’s Jiseok section, went to Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage’s Paradise, about an Indian couple facing problems in their marriage during a trip to Sri Lanka, and Mirlan Abdykalykov’s Bride Kidnapping, about the widespread practice of forcing women into marriage in Kyrgyzstan.
Busan also launched two new awards, the LG Oled New Currents & Vision Awards, presented to films...
Chowdhury’s film tells the story of an eccentric fisherman who learns a traditional form of wrestling to take on the village champion, while September 1923, the debut fiction film of documentary filmmaker Mori, revolves around the massacre that took place after the Great Kanto earthquake 100 years ago.
The Kim Jiseok Award, presented to films in Busan’s Jiseok section, went to Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage’s Paradise, about an Indian couple facing problems in their marriage during a trip to Sri Lanka, and Mirlan Abdykalykov’s Bride Kidnapping, about the widespread practice of forcing women into marriage in Kyrgyzstan.
Busan also launched two new awards, the LG Oled New Currents & Vision Awards, presented to films...
- 10/14/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Iqbal H. Choudhury’s “The Wrestler” and Mori Tatsutya’s “September 1923” were announced joint winners of the New Currents competition at the Busan International Film Festival.
“The Wrester” “was like a single round match, magically depicting an exciting narrative,” the jury said. “We support the bravery to face the history that had been forgotten,” the jury said of “September 1923.”
In the separate Jiseok competition, open to more experienced Asian filmmakers, the joint winners were Prasanna Vithanage’s “Paradise” and Mirlan Abdykalykov’s “Bride Kidnapping.”
“Vithanage exposes how a corrupt regime ruins this beautiful country by obstructing peace, depriving its citizens of humanity as they corner them into oppression,” said the separate Jiseok jury. Calling “Bride Kidnapping” a “powerful film,” the Jiseok jury said, “This film vividly depicts the prevalent shocking customs in Kyrgyzstan with unforgettable characters and a straightforward narrative.”
The prizes were presented on Friday at a closing ceremony...
“The Wrester” “was like a single round match, magically depicting an exciting narrative,” the jury said. “We support the bravery to face the history that had been forgotten,” the jury said of “September 1923.”
In the separate Jiseok competition, open to more experienced Asian filmmakers, the joint winners were Prasanna Vithanage’s “Paradise” and Mirlan Abdykalykov’s “Bride Kidnapping.”
“Vithanage exposes how a corrupt regime ruins this beautiful country by obstructing peace, depriving its citizens of humanity as they corner them into oppression,” said the separate Jiseok jury. Calling “Bride Kidnapping” a “powerful film,” the Jiseok jury said, “This film vividly depicts the prevalent shocking customs in Kyrgyzstan with unforgettable characters and a straightforward narrative.”
The prizes were presented on Friday at a closing ceremony...
- 10/13/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
‘Paradise’ and ‘Bridge Kidnapping’ also take major prizes.
Bangladesh drama The Wrestler and Japanese feature September 1923 have won the top awards at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.
The two titles were named joint winners of Biff’s New Currents competition, which includes first or second features from rising Asian filmmakers.
At a press conference in Busan today (October 13), the festival also revealed Sri Lanka’s Paradise and Kyrgyzstan’s Bride Kidnapping as joint winners of the Kim Jiseok Award, open to more established Asian directors with at least three features to their names.
Scroll down for full list of...
Bangladesh drama The Wrestler and Japanese feature September 1923 have won the top awards at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.
The two titles were named joint winners of Biff’s New Currents competition, which includes first or second features from rising Asian filmmakers.
At a press conference in Busan today (October 13), the festival also revealed Sri Lanka’s Paradise and Kyrgyzstan’s Bride Kidnapping as joint winners of the Kim Jiseok Award, open to more established Asian directors with at least three features to their names.
Scroll down for full list of...
- 10/13/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The festival has dropped its international competition in favour of a South Asia focus.
The Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival has unveiled a South Asia-focused revamp for its first in-person event since 2019, set to run October 27 to November 5.
The festival has dropped its international and India Gold competitions and will launch its first South Asia competitive section as part of a new approach to become a hub for cinema and talent from the region and diaspora.
The 14 films in the South Asia Competition are from first and second-time filmmakers from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal as well as diaspora filmmakers from the UK and Germany,...
The Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival has unveiled a South Asia-focused revamp for its first in-person event since 2019, set to run October 27 to November 5.
The festival has dropped its international and India Gold competitions and will launch its first South Asia competitive section as part of a new approach to become a hub for cinema and talent from the region and diaspora.
The 14 films in the South Asia Competition are from first and second-time filmmakers from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal as well as diaspora filmmakers from the UK and Germany,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
After a three-year hiatus, the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival is returning with a larger lineup and an expanded focus on South Asian cinema.
The festival will feature 250 films including 40 world premieres, 45 Asia premieres and 70 South Asia Premieres. The opening and closing films have not been finalized yet.
The festival’s new vision is to become a hub for South Asian and South Asian diaspora cinema and talent and, in keeping with this, the main competition is for 14 films from the region. These include the world premieres of Leesa Gazi’s “A House Named Shahana” (Bangladesh-u.K.), Dibakar Das Roy’s “Dilli Dark” (India), Sumanth Bhat’s “Mithya” (India) and Fazil Razak’s “The Sentence” (India). The new focus will also include 46 non-competition films from South Asia.
The Icons South Asia strand features Anand Patwardhan’s Toronto title “The World is Family”; “Indi(r)a’s Emergency” by Vikramaditya Motwane...
The festival will feature 250 films including 40 world premieres, 45 Asia premieres and 70 South Asia Premieres. The opening and closing films have not been finalized yet.
The festival’s new vision is to become a hub for South Asian and South Asian diaspora cinema and talent and, in keeping with this, the main competition is for 14 films from the region. These include the world premieres of Leesa Gazi’s “A House Named Shahana” (Bangladesh-u.K.), Dibakar Das Roy’s “Dilli Dark” (India), Sumanth Bhat’s “Mithya” (India) and Fazil Razak’s “The Sentence” (India). The new focus will also include 46 non-competition films from South Asia.
The Icons South Asia strand features Anand Patwardhan’s Toronto title “The World is Family”; “Indi(r)a’s Emergency” by Vikramaditya Motwane...
- 10/9/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Sri Lankan auteur Prasanna Vithanage is back at the Busan International Film Festival with thriller “Paradise,” which is in the Jiseok competition.
The film follows Indian couple – streaming content producer Kesav and blogger Amritha – who are on vacation in Sri Lanka during the country’s ongoing economic crisis. They are the victims of a robbery and find themselves in the thick of the agitations.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka began in 2019 and was exacerbated during the Rajapaksa family’s regime, leading to a state of near-total collapse and bankruptcy by mid-2022. The crisis had a knock-on effect on the film and TV industry as well.
“The thought behind the story was formed by two factors. The people’s uprising against the Rajapaksa family. There was shortages of essentials. People were in the streets demanding gas, electricity, fuel,” Vithanage told Variety. “Same time, after working on a historical film, “Gaadi – Children of the Sun...
The film follows Indian couple – streaming content producer Kesav and blogger Amritha – who are on vacation in Sri Lanka during the country’s ongoing economic crisis. They are the victims of a robbery and find themselves in the thick of the agitations.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka began in 2019 and was exacerbated during the Rajapaksa family’s regime, leading to a state of near-total collapse and bankruptcy by mid-2022. The crisis had a knock-on effect on the film and TV industry as well.
“The thought behind the story was formed by two factors. The people’s uprising against the Rajapaksa family. There was shortages of essentials. People were in the streets demanding gas, electricity, fuel,” Vithanage told Variety. “Same time, after working on a historical film, “Gaadi – Children of the Sun...
- 10/8/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The trailer unveils a nuanced narrative centred around two young boys growing up in a traditional Indian village, deeply rooted in rural values emphasizing divine intervention and religious faith. However, as the story progresses, their beliefs collide with universal truths.
Beyond questioning faith and unwavering divine belief, Bhagwan Bharose explores the complex issue of communal tension that has always been relevant across the globe. Shiladitya Bora fearlessly but empathetically tackles the sensitive subject through the minds of two innocent kids.
Notably, the performances of child actors Satendra Soni and Sparsh Suman shine, as they impeccably depict the innocence with which young minds accept or reject the dictates of adults, leading to confusion in the face of conflicting adult messaging. Veteran actor Vinay Pathak also makes a captivating appearance.
‘Bhagwan Bharose’ scripted by Sudhakar Nilmani Eklavya and Mohit Chauhan, is set for a theatrical release on October 13th. The film’s...
Beyond questioning faith and unwavering divine belief, Bhagwan Bharose explores the complex issue of communal tension that has always been relevant across the globe. Shiladitya Bora fearlessly but empathetically tackles the sensitive subject through the minds of two innocent kids.
Notably, the performances of child actors Satendra Soni and Sparsh Suman shine, as they impeccably depict the innocence with which young minds accept or reject the dictates of adults, leading to confusion in the face of conflicting adult messaging. Veteran actor Vinay Pathak also makes a captivating appearance.
‘Bhagwan Bharose’ scripted by Sudhakar Nilmani Eklavya and Mohit Chauhan, is set for a theatrical release on October 13th. The film’s...
- 9/26/2023
- by Editorial Desk
- GlamSham
The trailer unveils a nuanced narrative centred around two young boys growing up in a traditional Indian village, deeply rooted in rural values emphasizing divine intervention and religious faith. However, as the story progresses, their beliefs collide with universal truths.
Beyond questioning faith and unwavering divine belief, Bhagwan Bharose explores the complex issue of communal tension that has always been relevant across the globe. Shiladitya Bora fearlessly but empathetically tackles the sensitive subject through the minds of two innocent kids.
Notably, the performances of child actors Satendra Soni and Sparsh Suman shine, as they impeccably depict the innocence with which young minds accept or reject the dictates of adults, leading to confusion in the face of conflicting adult messaging. Veteran actor Vinay Pathak also makes a captivating appearance.
‘Bhagwan Bharose’ scripted by Sudhakar Nilmani Eklavya and Mohit Chauhan, is set for a theatrical release on October 13th. The film’s...
Beyond questioning faith and unwavering divine belief, Bhagwan Bharose explores the complex issue of communal tension that has always been relevant across the globe. Shiladitya Bora fearlessly but empathetically tackles the sensitive subject through the minds of two innocent kids.
Notably, the performances of child actors Satendra Soni and Sparsh Suman shine, as they impeccably depict the innocence with which young minds accept or reject the dictates of adults, leading to confusion in the face of conflicting adult messaging. Veteran actor Vinay Pathak also makes a captivating appearance.
‘Bhagwan Bharose’ scripted by Sudhakar Nilmani Eklavya and Mohit Chauhan, is set for a theatrical release on October 13th. The film’s...
- 9/26/2023
- by Editorial Desk
Interview‘Paradise’, directed by Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, is about a Malayali couple who land in Sri Lanka during the economic crisis. The film has Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew in the lead.Still from 'Paradise'Across a phone call, Prasanna Vithanage’s voice fades mid-sentence. It must be the weather, he says when he is back. As I picture Sri Lanka in the rain, he asks, is it pouring hard in Kerala. It isn’t, but there has been a spell or two, right in the middle of Onam. Ah, Onam, he says fondly of Kerala’s biggest festival. Everything about Kerala appears very dear to this filmmaker in Sri Lanka, who has been coming to the state’s annual film festival (Iffk) year after year since it began in the mid-1990s. It seems apt that after decades of making many noticeable films, Prasanna has now made a...
- 8/30/2023
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Korea’s Busan International Film Festival has announced the ten films in this year’s New Currents competition line-up, along with ten films selected for its Jiseok Section. Both competition sections feature titles from Bangladesh’s vibrant young industry as well as from Japan.
New Currents, a section for first and second films by up-and-coming Asian filmmakers, features two films from Bangladesh – Biplob Sarkar’s The Stranger and Iqbal H. Chowdhury’s The Wrestler – which the festival noted showcase “the momentum of Bangladeshi cinema”.
The Stranger is described as a coming-of-age story navigating the journey of a family in which the young son grapples with questions about his gender identity. The Wrestler, a co-production between Bangladesh and Canada, tells the story of an elderly man from a fishing village who challenges a wrestling champion to combat.
Two Japanese titles have also been selected for New Currents – September 1923, about the Great...
New Currents, a section for first and second films by up-and-coming Asian filmmakers, features two films from Bangladesh – Biplob Sarkar’s The Stranger and Iqbal H. Chowdhury’s The Wrestler – which the festival noted showcase “the momentum of Bangladeshi cinema”.
The Stranger is described as a coming-of-age story navigating the journey of a family in which the young son grapples with questions about his gender identity. The Wrestler, a co-production between Bangladesh and Canada, tells the story of an elderly man from a fishing village who challenges a wrestling champion to combat.
Two Japanese titles have also been selected for New Currents – September 1923, about the Great...
- 8/30/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
The New Currents and Jiseok selections include features from Japan, China, South Korea and Bangladesh among others.
The 28th Busan International Film Festival has revealed the titles selected for its New Currents and Jiseok strands, the festival’s competitive sections for Asian films.
Scroll down for full list
New Currents is for films by directors making their first or second works of fiction and comprises 10 titles from Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Bangladesh.
They include September 1923, which marks the fiction feature debut of Japanese director Tatsuya Mori and centres on the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923. Mori is known as a documentary filmmaker,...
The 28th Busan International Film Festival has revealed the titles selected for its New Currents and Jiseok strands, the festival’s competitive sections for Asian films.
Scroll down for full list
New Currents is for films by directors making their first or second works of fiction and comprises 10 titles from Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Bangladesh.
They include September 1923, which marks the fiction feature debut of Japanese director Tatsuya Mori and centres on the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923. Mori is known as a documentary filmmaker,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” swung back to pole position atop the U.K. and Ireland box office, dethroning Warner Bros.’ “The Flash” in the process.
In its fourth weekend, “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” collected £1.99 million ($2.5 million) for a total of £23.4 million, according to numbers from Comscore. In its second weekend, “The Flash” took £1.3 million for a total of £6.7 million.
Sony’s “No Hard Feelings” bowed in third place with £1.18 million, while Universal’s “Asteroid City” debuted close behind in fourth position with £1.17 million.
Rounding off the top five was Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which earned £1.08 million in its fifth weekend for a total of £23.7 million.
The big release this week is “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” with Harrison Ford back for one last crack of the whip. Disney is releasing the film, which also stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen, wide across more than 300 locations.
In its fourth weekend, “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” collected £1.99 million ($2.5 million) for a total of £23.4 million, according to numbers from Comscore. In its second weekend, “The Flash” took £1.3 million for a total of £6.7 million.
Sony’s “No Hard Feelings” bowed in third place with £1.18 million, while Universal’s “Asteroid City” debuted close behind in fourth position with £1.17 million.
Rounding off the top five was Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which earned £1.08 million in its fifth weekend for a total of £23.7 million.
The big release this week is “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” with Harrison Ford back for one last crack of the whip. Disney is releasing the film, which also stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen, wide across more than 300 locations.
- 6/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Award-winning producer-turned-filmmaker Shiladitya Bora’s debut directorial feature ‘Bhagwan Bharose’ is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious UK Asian Film Festival. The film will be headlining the festival’s closing gala on May 13 at the historic Kiln Theatre in North West London. Co-Produced by Sri Lankan Auteur filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage along with Platoon One Films, Lighthouse Innoventures and Sri Sathya Sai Arts (K K Radhamohan), the Hindi film is a tender coming-of-age drama, based on a story by Sudhakar Neelmani.
The film features original music by cult Indian rock band Indian Ocean with lyrics by Sanjeev Sharma (Peepli Live).
“Bhagwan Bharose” tells the story of two impressionable kids struggling with their understanding of God and religion in 1990s India. The film takes audiences on an emotional journey as they witness the family’s struggle to hold on to their beliefs while facing challenges that threaten to tear them apart.
The film features original music by cult Indian rock band Indian Ocean with lyrics by Sanjeev Sharma (Peepli Live).
“Bhagwan Bharose” tells the story of two impressionable kids struggling with their understanding of God and religion in 1990s India. The film takes audiences on an emotional journey as they witness the family’s struggle to hold on to their beliefs while facing challenges that threaten to tear them apart.
- 3/24/2023
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
India’s Platoon One Films, co-producers of Berlin Film Festival Panorama strand title “Ghaath” (“Ambush”), has seven films in the works.
Four films are in advanced development. Police procedural “Bayan” by Bikas Mishra (“Chauranga”) was developed at Film Independent’s Global Media Makers program in Los Angeles and the film is supported by the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund.
Drama “Kadminche,” the feature directorial debut of Tushar Paranjape, writer of Berlin Crystal Bear winner “Killa,” has Rinku Rajguru (“Sairat”) attached to star. Action fantasy film “Don’t Sleep” will mark the Hindi-language debut of Arun Bose (Malayalam-language “Luca”). And Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha, creators of series “Candy” for Viacom18 streamer Voot Select, will make their feature directorial debut with psychological thriller “Influenzaa.”
Three films are currently in post-production. India-set Hindi-language social drama “Bhagwan Bharose” (“For Heaven’s Sake”) marks the directorial debut of Platoon One founder Shiladitya Bora.
Four films are in advanced development. Police procedural “Bayan” by Bikas Mishra (“Chauranga”) was developed at Film Independent’s Global Media Makers program in Los Angeles and the film is supported by the International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund.
Drama “Kadminche,” the feature directorial debut of Tushar Paranjape, writer of Berlin Crystal Bear winner “Killa,” has Rinku Rajguru (“Sairat”) attached to star. Action fantasy film “Don’t Sleep” will mark the Hindi-language debut of Arun Bose (Malayalam-language “Luca”). And Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha, creators of series “Candy” for Viacom18 streamer Voot Select, will make their feature directorial debut with psychological thriller “Influenzaa.”
Three films are currently in post-production. India-set Hindi-language social drama “Bhagwan Bharose” (“For Heaven’s Sake”) marks the directorial debut of Platoon One founder Shiladitya Bora.
- 2/18/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Australian film “The Laugh of Lakshmi,” by renowned theater director turned filmmaker S. Shakthidharan, will be one of the first films to make use of the newly announced Indian filming incentives.
The film, a dance drama, is the story of a mother and a son separated by war. The mother, a celebrated classical dancer, sends her young son, also a brilliant dancer, to the care of her brother in Sydney.
“My hope for ‘The Laugh of Lakshmi’ is to create a hybrid form of cinema founded on the principles of my community’s ancient art forms and practices – communal storytelling, a balanced mix of dialogue, music and dance, a feeling of the intimate alongside the epic. But which is then embellished with the best of western cinema – authentic, gripping character studies, cohesive in grounded worlds,” said Shakthidharan.
Shakthidharan’s play “Counting and Cracking” won seven 2019 Helpmann Awards including best play...
The film, a dance drama, is the story of a mother and a son separated by war. The mother, a celebrated classical dancer, sends her young son, also a brilliant dancer, to the care of her brother in Sydney.
“My hope for ‘The Laugh of Lakshmi’ is to create a hybrid form of cinema founded on the principles of my community’s ancient art forms and practices – communal storytelling, a balanced mix of dialogue, music and dance, a feeling of the intimate alongside the epic. But which is then embellished with the best of western cinema – authentic, gripping character studies, cohesive in grounded worlds,” said Shakthidharan.
Shakthidharan’s play “Counting and Cracking” won seven 2019 Helpmann Awards including best play...
- 5/18/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Continuing their commitment to releasing challenging new arthouse and independent films from India and Southeast Asia, Deaf Crocodile Films and Gratitude Films announce the acquisitions of Gaadi – Children Of The Sun and Boomba Ride following impressive festival runs for both films. The movies are slated for theatrical release this fall followed by digital release through partner Grasshopper Films for Tvod / SVOD.
From Prasanna Vithanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed directors, comes Gaadi – Children Of The Sun, a sweeping historical drama of imperial politics, religion, caste, gender, and impossible love. Set in 1814 during the era of repressive British colonial rule in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) and the last days of the Kandyan kingdom, Gaadi begins with a collaborationist English agent convincing the local Sinhala Buddhist nobility to attempt to overthrow the rival Tamil king. The subsequent military disaster forces a Sinhala noblewoman, Tikiri to choose between suicide and marriage to a low-caste outcast Vijaya.
From Prasanna Vithanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed directors, comes Gaadi – Children Of The Sun, a sweeping historical drama of imperial politics, religion, caste, gender, and impossible love. Set in 1814 during the era of repressive British colonial rule in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) and the last days of the Kandyan kingdom, Gaadi begins with a collaborationist English agent convincing the local Sinhala Buddhist nobility to attempt to overthrow the rival Tamil king. The subsequent military disaster forces a Sinhala noblewoman, Tikiri to choose between suicide and marriage to a low-caste outcast Vijaya.
- 3/31/2022
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Indie distribution outfits Deaf Crocodile Films and Gratitude Films are combining forces to give limited theatrical releases this year to a pair of foreign-language titles.
Children Of The Sun (Gaadi) is a historical drama from Sri Lanka. Set in 1814 during the era of repressive British colonial rule in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), the film depicts what happens after a collaborationist English agent convinces the local Sinhala Buddhist nobility to attempt to overthrow the rival Tamil king. The subsequent military disaster forces a Sinhala noble woman to choose between suicide and marriage to a low-caste outcast.
Prasanna Vithanage directed the pic, which is in the Sinhala language, and will be released with English subtitles.
Also receiving an American release will be Boomba Ride, the Indian feature from God On A Balcony director Biswajeet Bora. The film is a satire of India’s rural education system, following an eight-year old boy...
Children Of The Sun (Gaadi) is a historical drama from Sri Lanka. Set in 1814 during the era of repressive British colonial rule in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), the film depicts what happens after a collaborationist English agent convinces the local Sinhala Buddhist nobility to attempt to overthrow the rival Tamil king. The subsequent military disaster forces a Sinhala noble woman to choose between suicide and marriage to a low-caste outcast.
Prasanna Vithanage directed the pic, which is in the Sinhala language, and will be released with English subtitles.
Also receiving an American release will be Boomba Ride, the Indian feature from God On A Balcony director Biswajeet Bora. The film is a satire of India’s rural education system, following an eight-year old boy...
- 3/25/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s film won best feature and best screenplay.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car was the big winner at the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (Apsa), which took place on the Gold Coast in Australia today (November 11).
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The film – Japan’s entry for the best international feature Oscar and the Cannes 2021 best screenplay winner – won best feature film and best screenplay for Hamaguchi and co-writer Oe Takamasa. It follows a theatre actor and director who is grappling with grief for his lost wife and is based on a novella of...
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car was the big winner at the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (Apsa), which took place on the Gold Coast in Australia today (November 11).
Scroll down for the full list of winners
The film – Japan’s entry for the best international feature Oscar and the Cannes 2021 best screenplay winner – won best feature film and best screenplay for Hamaguchi and co-writer Oe Takamasa. It follows a theatre actor and director who is grappling with grief for his lost wife and is based on a novella of...
- 11/11/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car triumphed this eve at the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The movie scooped best film, which Japanese filmmaker Hamaguchi shared with producer Teruhisa Yamamoto, and best screenplay, which the director shared with Oe Takamasa. Scroll down for the full list of winners on the night.
Further winners included Asghar Farhadi, who took Best Director for A Hero, and Hogir Hirori’s Sabaya, which win Best Documentary Feature Film.
Two Jury Grand Prizes were awarded this year, one to Abdullah Mohammad Saad, director of Rehana, and Leah Purcell for The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson.
Best Performance by an Actor was awarded to Georgian actor Merab Ninidze for Alexey German Jr’s House Arrest, while Best Performance by an Actress went to Azmeri Haque Badhon for Rehana. Nguyễn Vinh Phúc won achievement in cinematography for Taste.
This was Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s...
Further winners included Asghar Farhadi, who took Best Director for A Hero, and Hogir Hirori’s Sabaya, which win Best Documentary Feature Film.
Two Jury Grand Prizes were awarded this year, one to Abdullah Mohammad Saad, director of Rehana, and Leah Purcell for The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson.
Best Performance by an Actor was awarded to Georgian actor Merab Ninidze for Alexey German Jr’s House Arrest, while Best Performance by an Actress went to Azmeri Haque Badhon for Rehana. Nguyễn Vinh Phúc won achievement in cinematography for Taste.
This was Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s...
- 11/11/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Release
Kenneth Branagh‘s “Belfast” and the late Roger Michell‘s “The Duke” will release theatrically in the U.K. on Jan. 21 and Feb. 25, 2022 respectively.
Featuring an ensemble cast, “Belfast” is an autobiographical story set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. It follows Buddy, a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.
The film won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and is an odds on favorite at the upcoming awards season.
Universal is giving “Belfast” a wide release of more than 300 screens.
Meanwhile, Pathe is also planning a wide release with more than 300 screens for “The Duke.” The film bowed at...
Kenneth Branagh‘s “Belfast” and the late Roger Michell‘s “The Duke” will release theatrically in the U.K. on Jan. 21 and Feb. 25, 2022 respectively.
Featuring an ensemble cast, “Belfast” is an autobiographical story set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. It follows Buddy, a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.
The film won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and is an odds on favorite at the upcoming awards season.
Universal is giving “Belfast” a wide release of more than 300 screens.
Meanwhile, Pathe is also planning a wide release with more than 300 screens for “The Duke.” The film bowed at...
- 11/5/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Anders Refn’s WWII saga “Into the Darkness” (Denmark) and Ko Chen-Nien’s abuse drama “The Silent Forest” (Taiwan) won the major prizes at the 51st International Film Festival of India in Goa.
“Into The Darkness” won the Golden Peacock for best film. The award carries a cash prize of Inr 4 million. The Silver Peacock for best director went to Ko, for “The Silent Forest.” The award comes with a cash prize of Inr 1.5 million.
Liu Tzu-Chuan won best actor, male, for “The Silent Forest,” while Zofia Stafiej won best actor, female, for her role in Piotr Domalewski’s comedy-drama “I Never Cry” (Poland).
Kamin Kalev won the special jury award for drama “February” (Bulgaria/France). Cassio Pereira dos Santos won best debut for trans coming-of-age film “Valentina” (Brazil). Indian director Kripal Kalita was given a special mention for for Assamese-language film “Bridge.”
The International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication Unesco Gandhi Award,...
“Into The Darkness” won the Golden Peacock for best film. The award carries a cash prize of Inr 4 million. The Silver Peacock for best director went to Ko, for “The Silent Forest.” The award comes with a cash prize of Inr 1.5 million.
Liu Tzu-Chuan won best actor, male, for “The Silent Forest,” while Zofia Stafiej won best actor, female, for her role in Piotr Domalewski’s comedy-drama “I Never Cry” (Poland).
Kamin Kalev won the special jury award for drama “February” (Bulgaria/France). Cassio Pereira dos Santos won best debut for trans coming-of-age film “Valentina” (Brazil). Indian director Kripal Kalita was given a special mention for for Assamese-language film “Bridge.”
The International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication Unesco Gandhi Award,...
- 1/26/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Panaji, Jan 15 (Ians) India's biggest and oldest international film event, the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India, gets underway on Saturday in Goa and will be inaugurated at the hands of Southern filmstar Sudeep.
This year's edition of Iffi is being organised in a hybrid format, in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced the organisers to limit attendance, both at the opening and closing events, as well as during the screening of the 224 films from nearly sixty countries, which are scheduled to be screened at the event. The festival has been curtailed to a duration of eight days this year.
"The festival will be conducted in the hybrid format, where movies will be screened in the auditorium and some of the sections are curated for the online platform," Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Friday.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar will also...
This year's edition of Iffi is being organised in a hybrid format, in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced the organisers to limit attendance, both at the opening and closing events, as well as during the screening of the 224 films from nearly sixty countries, which are scheduled to be screened at the event. The festival has been curtailed to a duration of eight days this year.
"The festival will be conducted in the hybrid format, where movies will be screened in the auditorium and some of the sections are curated for the online platform," Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Friday.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar will also...
- 1/15/2021
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Deepa Mehta’s latest film, an adaptation of Shyam Selvadurai’s Sri Lanka-set coming-of-age novel “Funny Boy,” has been picked up by Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing, and will land on Netflix this December, Variety can reveal.
The Oscar-nominated “Earth” and “Midnight’s Children” director wrote the screenplay for the film alongside Selvadurai, whose debut 1994 novel is set in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s and was ground-breaking in its discussion of identity politics against the backdrop of escalating conflict between the island nation’s Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority.
Shot on location in Colombo, the film explores Tamil protagonist Arjie’s (Arush Nand/Brandon Ingram) sexual awakening from a young boy, deemed “funny” by disapproving family, to a teenager enamoured by a male classmate, just as political tensions escalate between the Sinhalese and Tamils in the years leading up to the 1983 uprisings — violence that led into a 26-year civil war.
The Oscar-nominated “Earth” and “Midnight’s Children” director wrote the screenplay for the film alongside Selvadurai, whose debut 1994 novel is set in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s and was ground-breaking in its discussion of identity politics against the backdrop of escalating conflict between the island nation’s Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority.
Shot on location in Colombo, the film explores Tamil protagonist Arjie’s (Arush Nand/Brandon Ingram) sexual awakening from a young boy, deemed “funny” by disapproving family, to a teenager enamoured by a male classmate, just as political tensions escalate between the Sinhalese and Tamils in the years leading up to the 1983 uprisings — violence that led into a 26-year civil war.
- 10/15/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
New projects from Cannes label directors Wei Shujun and Koji Fukada among line-up.
The Asian Project Market, the biggest investment and co-production market in Asia, is to shift online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The industry platform, which takes place during the Busan International Film Festival (Biff), will run as a virtual event from October 12 to 14 alongside the Asian Contents and Film Market, which previously announced it would run as a hybrid event.
This year will feature 22 projects, which is down on the 29 titles presented in both 2018 and 2019.
The selection includes Ripple Of Life by Chinese director Wei Shujun, whose...
The Asian Project Market, the biggest investment and co-production market in Asia, is to shift online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The industry platform, which takes place during the Busan International Film Festival (Biff), will run as a virtual event from October 12 to 14 alongside the Asian Contents and Film Market, which previously announced it would run as a hybrid event.
This year will feature 22 projects, which is down on the 29 titles presented in both 2018 and 2019.
The selection includes Ripple Of Life by Chinese director Wei Shujun, whose...
- 9/1/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
The interview was initially conducted on September 2017
Sanjeewa Pushpakumara is a prominent Sri Lankan film director, who directed much acclaimed and awarded movies like “Flying Fish” and “Burning Birds”. After completing a Masters Degree in mass communications, he studied filmmaking in Chuang – Ang University in South Korea. Sanjeewa Pushpakumara made three short films before directing two full length features.
We speak with him about Sri Lankan and world cinema, his influences, career, awards and his future endeavors.
From a Masters Degree in Mass Communications to filmmaking, can you elaborate on this journey?
During my school days, I always dreamt of being a TV presenter. That is the only reason why I came to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka from my home town. After arrived in Colombo, I began to work as a TV presenter. Later on, I became script writer and TV producer as well. However, I wasn...
Sanjeewa Pushpakumara is a prominent Sri Lankan film director, who directed much acclaimed and awarded movies like “Flying Fish” and “Burning Birds”. After completing a Masters Degree in mass communications, he studied filmmaking in Chuang – Ang University in South Korea. Sanjeewa Pushpakumara made three short films before directing two full length features.
We speak with him about Sri Lankan and world cinema, his influences, career, awards and his future endeavors.
From a Masters Degree in Mass Communications to filmmaking, can you elaborate on this journey?
During my school days, I always dreamt of being a TV presenter. That is the only reason why I came to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka from my home town. After arrived in Colombo, I began to work as a TV presenter. Later on, I became script writer and TV producer as well. However, I wasn...
- 8/2/2020
- by Sankha Ray
- AsianMoviePulse
Sri Lankan independent filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage has the world premiere of his “Children of the Sun” (“Gaadi”) at the Busan International Film Festival. The film is set in 1814 Kandy, Ceylon, as the country was then known, against the backdrop of Sinhala nobles’ rebellion against their South Indian ruler, and the advent of British colonialism. It follows the struggle of an outcast noblewoman who fights to maintain her identity.
“The movie questions identity in a world where people are polarized on various lines, in a time when identity politics has come to the foreground,” Vithanage told Variety. “And I thought the period setting was a reflection of the times we live in.”
Sri Lanka’s Film Island is the project’s primary producer, along with investor H.D. Premasiri and Prasanna Vithanage Productions. India’s Jar Pictures is also a co-producer. The budget is lavish by Sri Lankan standards at $560,000.
The film...
“The movie questions identity in a world where people are polarized on various lines, in a time when identity politics has come to the foreground,” Vithanage told Variety. “And I thought the period setting was a reflection of the times we live in.”
Sri Lanka’s Film Island is the project’s primary producer, along with investor H.D. Premasiri and Prasanna Vithanage Productions. India’s Jar Pictures is also a co-producer. The budget is lavish by Sri Lankan standards at $560,000.
The film...
- 10/7/2019
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
After more than 30 years of civil war, Sri Lanka has slowly returned to normalcy. But the work of a generation of filmmakers has been informed by the war. One of them is Vimukthi Jayasundara, whose “The Forbidden Land,” with the war as a backdrop, won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2005. His subsequent films have played Venice, Rotterdam and Locarno.
Jayasundara’s “The Question of Innocence,” one of 29 projects chosen for the Busan Asian Project Market, deals with life after war. It will follow a little girl who has the ability to foretell death, and the consequences this has in contemporary Sri Lankan society.
For Jayasundara, the process of cinematically dealing with the aftermath of the war began with the 2018 anthology film “Her. Him. The Other,” directed alongside his compatriots Prasanna Vithanage and Asoka Handagama, whose “Asandhimitta” is showing in Busan this year.
“Basically what we have experienced about...
Jayasundara’s “The Question of Innocence,” one of 29 projects chosen for the Busan Asian Project Market, deals with life after war. It will follow a little girl who has the ability to foretell death, and the consequences this has in contemporary Sri Lankan society.
For Jayasundara, the process of cinematically dealing with the aftermath of the war began with the 2018 anthology film “Her. Him. The Other,” directed alongside his compatriots Prasanna Vithanage and Asoka Handagama, whose “Asandhimitta” is showing in Busan this year.
“Basically what we have experienced about...
- 10/7/2018
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Selection includes films from Siddiq Barmak, Yoon Gaeun and Min Bahadur Bham.
In South Korea, the Busan International Film Festival (Biff)’s Asian Project Market (Apm) has announced 28 titles from 17 countries for this year.
The 20th Apm’s selection includes projects from Golden Globe best foreign language film award winner Siddiq Barmak (Osama) and Berlinale Generation director Yoon Gaeun (The World Of Us).
Afghan filmmaker Barmak’s Georgia-France co-production The Pass is a wartime drama about two soldiers from opposite sides who are forced to cooperate in order to cross a dangerous mountain pass alongside refugees.
Korean director Yoon’s Sora is a drama about a middle school girl who finds out a secret about the new kid in the neighborhood.
According to organizers, the number of projects submitted to Apm this year went up “almost 25%” from the previous year to reach 317. In the 19 previous years, “a total of 499 projects have been selected with more than 220 of...
In South Korea, the Busan International Film Festival (Biff)’s Asian Project Market (Apm) has announced 28 titles from 17 countries for this year.
The 20th Apm’s selection includes projects from Golden Globe best foreign language film award winner Siddiq Barmak (Osama) and Berlinale Generation director Yoon Gaeun (The World Of Us).
Afghan filmmaker Barmak’s Georgia-France co-production The Pass is a wartime drama about two soldiers from opposite sides who are forced to cooperate in order to cross a dangerous mountain pass alongside refugees.
Korean director Yoon’s Sora is a drama about a middle school girl who finds out a secret about the new kid in the neighborhood.
According to organizers, the number of projects submitted to Apm this year went up “almost 25%” from the previous year to reach 317. In the 19 previous years, “a total of 499 projects have been selected with more than 220 of...
- 8/14/2017
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
If Sri Lanka movies had for many years been mistaken with Bollywood movies because of the huge reign of imported Indian movies and the many (unofficial) local remakes, the industry has finally built its own identity and shaped one of world’s most poetic cinematographies – as proved by two Golden Cyclos in 2012 and 2013 for August Drizzle by Aruna Jayawardanaand With Your Without You by Prasanna Vithanage.
Lester James Peries (97 years), the « Father of Sri Lanka Cinema », has not only contributed to the founding of local industry after popular success of his Rekava (Line of Destiny) in 1956, but he also proved there could be a more realistic and personal approach other than the ever-repeating musical formula movies made in Bollywood.
The success of his Gamperaliya (The Changing Village) in 1963 has paved the way for a whole new generation of young and talented directors such as Sumitra Peries, Siri Gunasinghe, Mahagama Sekera,...
Lester James Peries (97 years), the « Father of Sri Lanka Cinema », has not only contributed to the founding of local industry after popular success of his Rekava (Line of Destiny) in 1956, but he also proved there could be a more realistic and personal approach other than the ever-repeating musical formula movies made in Bollywood.
The success of his Gamperaliya (The Changing Village) in 1963 has paved the way for a whole new generation of young and talented directors such as Sumitra Peries, Siri Gunasinghe, Mahagama Sekera,...
- 1/21/2017
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
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