Sri Lankan Classic ‘Gehenu Lamai’ to Shine at Cannes Film Festival

Sri Lankan film “Gehenu Lamai,” a 1978 classic by Sumitra Peries, will be screened at Cannes. Praised for its artistic depth, the film examines adolescent experiences through love and duty. Lead actors will attend, and its restoration will be highlighted. The event signifies the continued recognition of Sri Lankan cinema and women filmmakers.

The 1978 classic film, “Gehenu Lamai,” directed by the illustrious Sri Lankan filmmaker Sumitra Peries, is set to be highlighted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Prasanna Vithanage, a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, recalls watching the film as a teenager, remarking on its beauty and intricacy, comparing it to an Impressionist painting. He was captivated enough to view it multiple times in theaters—a testament to its lasting effect even decades later.

“Gehenu Lamai,” which translates to “Girls,” is a poetic exploration of adolescence through the lens of a young girl’s experiences. This poignant film will be showcased in the classics section of the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 13-24. The Film Heritage Foundation, known for its dedication to preserving cinema, will present the film alongside Satyajit Ray’s “Aranyer Din Ratri.”

Attendees for the screening will include lead actors Vasanthi Chaturani and Ajith Jinadasa, as well as notable figures such as Sharmila Tagore, who starred in Ray’s film, and acclaimed Hollywood director Wes Anderson. The festival is a crucial moment for Film Heritage Foundation founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, as he aims to introduce the beauty of Sri Lankan cinema to a wider audience.

Dungarpur has extensively worked to restore classic Sri Lankan films, starting from a meeting with Sumitra Peries and her husband, filmmaker Lester James Peries, back in 2009. During his previous visits, Dungarpur learned about the deteriorating conditions of Peries’s films. Following discussions, he proactively sought to restore “Gehenu Lamai,” with meaningful support from global film preservation initiatives.

The restoration process was arduous. “What began with mere recognition of the couple’s talent led to a significant endeavor of bringing Sumitra’s masterpieces back to life,” Dungarpur shared. The difficulties included severe damage to film reels and sound quality issues—challenges that necessitated a thorough restoration by expert technicians. They also had conversations with people involved in the film’s original production to ensure authenticity.

At the center of “Gehenu Lamai” is the character Kusum, played by Vasanthi Chaturani, who grapples with love and duty. Set against the backdrop of a Sri Lanka transitioning post-colonially, her relationship with Nimal, portrayed by Ajith Jinadasa, explores societal class divides and personal responsibility. Adapted from Karunasena Jayalath’s novel, the film stands out due to its lyrical storytelling and remarkable performances that tread the delicate line of adolescence.

Visually, the film is a treat. Cinematographer MS Ananda brings to life the emotional landscape with mesmerizing textures, particularly capturing the intricate relationship between Kusum and Nimal. Sumitra Peries’s approach, heavily reliant on visuals to evoke emotions and sensuality, has been recognized by critics, who note its groundbreaking nature at the time.

Sumitra Peries, who passed away in 2023, is hailed as one of the pioneering women directors in her field. Vithanage emphasized her unique artistry, noting how “Gehenu Lamai” allowed her to emerge from the artistic shadow of her husband and assert her own identity. Throughout her career, Peries maintained a commitment to crafting a feminine perspective rather than a solely feminist narrative. Her work has opened pathways for understanding womanhood in the context of Sri Lankan culture.

Now restored and ready to meet an international audience, “Gehenu Lamai” promises to leave a lasting impression at Cannes, listed alongside other cinematic gems like Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon” and Mikio Naruse’s “Floating Clouds.” Dungarpur reflects on the film’s richness, stating its sensuality rests effortlessly beneath its surface.

As this gem of cinema takes its place on a prestigious stage, it serves as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s vibrant film history and the continuing journey of women storytellers within it. Vithanage succinctly sums this up: “The film has sensuality without making it evident.”

In summary, “Gehenu Lamai,” a poignant film by the late Sumitra Peries, emerges onto the global stage at the Cannes Film Festival. Its restoration not only revives a critical piece of Sri Lankan cinematic history but also showcases the artistry of a pioneering female director. This screening stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Peries’s work, captivating audiences with its exploration of adolescence and emotional truths.

Original Source: scroll.in