Brings Talent to the fore-International Buddhist Film Festival By Sarasi Paranamanna
Several winners were chosen from each category for the best films in their respective categories. Here are some of the ideas which, several winners shared with The Nation
Lord Buddha preached that Dhamma conquers the value of all gifts as the value of Dhamma is immeasurable. Thus, it is indeed a privilege to present or gift at least one person with good values and morals through any kind of media.
Moreover, considering how various forms of media are used solely for commercial purposes, it is laudable when individuals use a media to convey a message which will have a positive impact on the audience.
The second Annual International Buddhist Film Festival which was held last May commemorating the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the enlightenment and parinibbhana of Lord Buddha. Candidates from every district and around the globe participated in to give a noble message to the audience.
The award ceremony for the best works was held recently at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. The Buddhist film festival is a platform to showcase the talent of both amateur and experienced film makers and share knowledge whilst exhibiting and promoting the true principles of Buddhism to the whole world.
Disseminating the message and principles of Lord Bhuddha, the film festival has reached the world community through audio and visual media to enhance awareness about Buddhism in the global fraternity. The Light of Asia Foundation in collaboration with the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation and the Bandaranaike Memorial Foundation organised this event to award and value the aptitudes and talents of both local and international filmmakers. Filmmakers from US, Germany, Belgium, India, Canada, Iran, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, and France took part in this festival from the international category and received awards from the President.
Local talents were awarded for best films from several categories. The short film category, the animation film category, documentary film category and the mobile phone film category were the categories in which local filmmakers presented their work of creativity and skill. These cinematic works had been appraised by an eminent panel of judges which had consisted veteran personalities like Edwin Ariyadasa.
Jude Samantha
Jude Samantha received his award for one of the best films in the mobile phone film category. His film which talks of the inner layer of life is a tale of a brother and sister who go to worship the Kalutara temple. On their way back the brother accidentally puts on a pair of slippers which does not belong to him and he is called a thief. In the end it is revealed that the boy is blind. “I wanted to tell the audience that every story has two sides and it is not fair to judge people based on just what you see in the outer appearance,” said Jude. His six minute film is named ‘The Inner Side of Life’ and he has been inspired to name it following an incident he had experienced.
“While I was travelling in the bus, a man ran on to the road and he got hit by the bus and everybody offered to help him, but suddenly all of them backed out and stared him. He had been running away from a lady after snatching her necklace. Stealing is obviously wrong but no one stopped to think why he stole a necklace. It got me thinking about how people jump to conclusions without considering what might actually be the true story behind each incident,” said Jude on how he drew inspiration for his film.
Observing society from the inner side, Jude felt that all newcomers should try to deliver something which is of value to the society without merely going behind high profile, high budgeted productions. Jude has been involved in the field of theatre and has won first place in a short Easter film festival organised by the Rupavahini Corporation.
He further stated that he is currently working on a stage drama based on love and life.
Kavinda Dhammika
Kavinda won his award from the documentary film category. He chose a different angle to bring out his message to the audience. It exposes an ugly truth. Even though Buddhism has taught us the value of caring for elders, monks themselves abandon their elderly monks in hospitals. This susceptible state of elderly monks was revealed from Kavinda’s film.
“I saw a feature article in The Nation newspaper which was written by Dinidu Karunanayake, it was about the monastery which has been established by Ven. Amilasiri to care for the sick and the neglected elderly monks. This story caught my attention because monks teach us to look after the elderly but it is ironic when monks themselves abandon the elderly monks. I wanted to expose this side of the story and appreciate what Ven. Amilasiri is doing all by himself,” explained Kavinda.
Kavinda’s only form of education had been the training he received under the German film directors Sebastian Pleuse and Simon Ostermann. Using his inborn talent and learning on his own, Kavinda has produced and directed this film utilising his own financial resources.
Portraying a touching story, the young film maker has shown his ability to evoke deep emotions in the audience. “The whole experience of shooting these scenes were very touching moments and I wanted to convey that feeling to the audience” said Kavinda of what was his first film named ‘Breathe in Darkness’.” I learnt about editing softwares all by myself using internet and the major problem is there is no proper place for Sri Lankan students to receive a formal education in these fields,” he lamented. Lastly, Kavinda did not forget to mention the support he received from his friends. “All my friends helped me in various ways and I should mention Vindya, Gagani, Rathindra, Jayashika, Rukshan, Marianne and all my other friends who supported me,” said Kavinda.
Rumesh Tharanga
Rumesh Tharanga has won his award for one of the best animation films. He has named the film ‘Nirvanaya- Journey Towards Reality’ and portrayed what he thinks of Nrivana. “I think Nirvana is not the last destination. I see it as a fresh beginning and I wanted to portray my view through my animation film,” said Rumesh. It had taken 10 months to develop these animations and he had primarily done it for his own liking. After hearing about the film festival, he had modified it and made it to suit the theme in the festival.
“I have not adopted just a traditional view in this film as I included some scientific ideas as well,” said Rumesh.
Sujani Sewwandi
Sujani, a degree holder in Image art, has won her award from the short film category. As a person who loves art Sujani has always aspired exploring the field of filmmaking. Apart from directing she has done script writing and editing for her short film. Sujani, an undergrad of the University of Kelaniya, said, “Being exposed to the image art and obtaining a degree in that field made it easy for me to do the film.”
Sujani’s film revolves around a story of a cobbler and a child. The cobbler manipulates the child and makes the child go near temples to damage shoes which are outside the temple. The child does accordingly and the cobbler manages to carry on his business. The monk in the temple observes how the child is being manipulated and decides to help the innocent child. In the end the child is sent to school with the support of the monk. The film is named as ‘Nikmana’, and Sujani said that she wanted to show something which has depth in keeping with the theme of the Buddhist festival. She said she hopes to deliver quality works which give practical advice and messages to the whole society.