The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore partnering with the Asian Film Archive in Singapore organised a Sri Lanka Film Festival to screen internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan films as a series of promotional and cultural exchange programmes launched to commemorate 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.

The Film Festival continued from 10-11 March 2023 and entailed the screening of a pair of restored Sri Lankan classics, which were well received by Singapore movie lovers, diplomatic corps, members of Sri Lankan community and expatriates based in Singapore.

The Film Festival opened with the screening of “Bambaru Awith” directed by Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja on 10 March 2023. The film screening was preceded by a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Sashikala Premawardhane. Executive Director of Asian Film Archive, Singapore – Karan Chan, made an introduction to the festival at the opening ceremony.

Welcoming those present at the opening ceremony, High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane stated that this exercise would connect people, cultures and ideas in amazing ways across regions making a real difference to understanding Sri Lanka in all its manifestations. The High Commissioner further added that the event will become a significant cultural gateway, which through the powerful medium of cinema, will build closer ties between the global city of Singapore and Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Premawardhane thanked the Executive Director and the team of Asian Film Archive, Singapore for their support and partnership to introduce Sri Lankan Cinema to Singapore.

Another restored Sri Lankan classic “Nidhanaya” directed by Dr. Lester James Peiris was screened on 11 March 2023. The festival provided an opportunity to introduce Sri Lankan art cinema to the Singapore public and enhance the image of Sri Lanka in Singapore.

Michelle Yeoh has become the first Asian winner of the best actress Oscar, for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

The creative multiverse adventure won seven awards including best picture, director and original screenplay.

Accepting her statuette, Yeoh said: “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.

“And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime.”

Yeoh’s co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan also triumphed in the supporting categories. In the history of the Oscars, no other film has ever won best picture, best director and three acting prizes.

In Everything Everywhere All at Once, Yeoh plays a Chinese-American laundrette owner who is mired in a tax audit, stuck in a crumbling marriage and struggling to connect with her daughter Joy.

When she discovers different versions of herself in the multiverse, she must tap into their skills in order to save the world.

“This is proof that dreams do come true,” Yeoh said. “I have to dedicate this to all the moms in the world because they are the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight.”

Elsewhere, Brendan Fraser capped his extraordinary comeback after years away from the Hollywood spotlight by winning best actor for his performance in The Whale.

Thanking the film’s director, the 54-year-old said: “I’m grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline.”

(BBC News)

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) on Thursday (09) named the Studio No. 2 after Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra who made a legendary contribution to the field of Sri Lankan arts.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister – Dr. Bandula Gunawardena unveiled the plaque to open the studio.

SLBC Chairman Hudson Samarasinghe, Colombo University Vice – Chancellor Prof H.D. Karunaratne and Mrs. Lalitha Sarachchandra were present.