Galle turns cinematic

The ancient ramparts of Galle will once again play host to culture as the second International Galle Film Festival takes over the coastal town from December 2-6, 2009.
Organised by Sri Lanka Tourism and the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka, the festival will start off with critically acclaimed director Vimukthi Jayasundera’s “Ahasin Wetei,” which was in competition at this year’s Venice Film Festival.
The festival will be a five day extravagansa during which time up to 40 Sri Lankan, South Asian and International Films will be screened. In addition there will also be a programme of workshops, in-depth panel discussions and post screening question and answer sessions. The main screening programme titled Cinema 1 will examine a variety of genera, including cutting edge Sri Lankan cinema, award winning work from international film makers, outstanding contributions by emerging filmmakers and several documentaries
The Festival will feature South Asia prominently with Indian actress and Director Nandita Das’ ‘Firaaq’ one of the featured movies.
As part of its schedule of fundraisers, event galas, and workshops, the festival will include “Shooting for Change,” which will showcase documentaries designed to inspire social change.
Also featured will be eight short films produced in August during a 10-day film camp for children, hosted by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka and run by American acting coach Constance Tillotsonm with Sri Lankan directors Anoma Rajakaruna and Kasinathar Gnanadas. The 40 participating children came from post-war Sri Lanka’s different ethnic backgrounds.
Forty young people from Moneragala, Hatton, Batticaloa, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Hambantota, Jaffna, Galle, Anuradhapura, Matara and Bandarawela lived together and learned the art and techniques of film making at the Sarvodaya Training Centre in Bandaragama.
The eight groups of five young people each made short films that they wrote and developed. The films ranged from thought-provoking stories about sibling relationships, dangers of prejudice, effects of discrimination, eradication of dengue using the format of a ’thovil’ (with a 'yaka’ as the mosquito) and a rather tragic story about tsunami relief.
So catch the best of cinematic creativity within the confines of a culturally bursting city this December as the Galle Film Festival comes to town.