Archives

Priyantha somersaults into family movies

A new film - a kind of children's cinema - is now in the making. The film - Arumosam Wahi directed by Priyantha Colombage on a script written by him is centred on a circus group." It's family movie, but more geared towards children," Priyantha says.

The film, set in a village in the early 70's, tells the story of a circus group which arrives at a remote village and the consequences that follow.

"Although, we talk about a children' cinema, actually no films are created to cater to the children and my film intends to improve their artistic taste," Priyantha says.

The circus group builds its huts on the ground adjoining the village tank. The film shows how the lifestyle of the villagers based on agriculture starts to change with the arrival of the circus group.

" The film not only shows the change in the lifestyle of the villagers but also the pathetic side of the lives of those engaged in the circus, though their main task is to entertain the public," Priyantha says while explaining the theme based to the film.

This is the third film by Priyantha who first came to the celluloid world by directing "Dehana" which was screened in 1998. His second film was " Vimukthi " which was shot in 1994 but screened only in 1998.

The film, shot in Nachchiduwa, Anuradhapura, is almost finished and is now in the process of dubbing.

Before commencing shooting, the actors and actresses had to face difficulties as they had to learn how to perform as members of a circus group. It took two months for them to learn these techniques.

Mahednra Perera (Bindu) plays the role of the joker in the circus group while W. Jayasiri acts as the manager. The rest of the cast includes Nuwangi Liyanage, Wasantha Wittachchi, Ajith Lokuge, Santin Gunawardene, Sanet Dikkumbura and several children actors.

Music of the film is by Samantha Perera while the art director is Athula Sulthangodage. Camera is by Sumittha Weerasinghe and choreography is by Samarasiri Kahadage. Wimal Deshapriya is the Assistant Director.

======================================

Artificial love: Can he be human ?

Almost every film directed by Steven Spielberg has become a box office goldmine. But his most recent movie is having an average run thanks to a lukewarm reception in the USA.

A.I. or Artificial Intelligence is all about a bionic boy trying to embrace human values. The movie veers away from the Spielberg formula of fun and fantasy to explore more serious issues, perhaps disappointing some fans in the process. This does not mean that the movie has lost all the Spielberg magic.

But there's an even more famous name in the movie: Stanley Kubrick. Yes, the very man who gave us 2001: A Space Odyssey and Dr.Strangelove. Add to this the fact that the story is an adaptation of Brian Aldiss' short story Supertoys Last All Summer Long, published in 1969. Three big names, one big movie.

Set on a single afternoon in an overpopulated future, the story details an apparent communication gap between Monica Swinton and her young robotic son ('mecha' in the film's language), David, who is programmed to love human beings. Monica (Frances Connor) and her husband Henry (Sam Robards) deeply yearn for the love of even a robotic son as their biological son is in a coma. The film centres on David's quest to become a 'real' boy. Aldiss later described Supertoys as a 'story of a love rejected' and Spielberg has tried to remain true to that ideal.

Kubrick and Aldiss began discussing making a movie out of the story as far back as 1975, just when a young director named Steven Spielberg was making waves with Jaws. It took nearly two decades for the story to take the present shape after many sessions with outside writers. Spielberg came to the scene later after a chance meeting and from then onwards, things moved faster. At one point Kubrick suggested that Spielberg should direct the film, but Spielberg wasn't interested. It was only after Kubrick's death in March 1999 that Spielberg decided to sit in the director's chair. He wrote the screenplay himself.

The movie, featuring pioneering ILM special effects, was shot in an astonishing 68 days with Haley Joel Osment (Sixth Sense, Pay It Forward) in the lead role. Jude Law stars as another 'mecha' called Gigolo Joe. Look out for David's talking teddy bear, by the way.

This is a film that you've got to see for yourself. Each will have his or her own perception of the film, especially the ending, but there is no doubt that Spielberg has another Oscar winner in the queue.

======================================

Sithuvili Kandavura

" Sithuvili Kandavura," a musical show presented by former Airman popular artiste Weerasiri Malwatte and Mrs.Anusha Malwatte in aid of the Rana Viru Seva Authority (RVSA) will be held at the Panadura Town Hall tomorrow (September 30) at 6.30 pm.

The show comprises original compositions based on the artiste's experience and commitment while serving the Armed Forces. The Ranaviru band will provide music.

Weerasiri and Anusha who are deeply concerned about the welfare of war heroes has conducted several musical concerts at the Army Hospital and its Rehabilitation Unit and Ranaviru Sevana for war heroes.

All funds from this concert will be channelled to the RVSA to further strengthen projects implemented for the welfare of families of war heroes. 

======================================

International acclaimed classical pianist to perform in Colombo

Internationally acclaimed classical Pianist Raul Sunico will perform at two charity concerts in Colombo on October 01 and 03, to raise funds for the Breast Health Centre of Sri Lanka's National Hospital.

The visit of Sunico - who will perform free of charge - is being sponsored by the Merril J. Fernando Foundation, a major donor towards the establishment of the Breast Health Centre and to support the free services it provides to underprivileged women.

Sunico burst into the international music scene over 20 years ago after a brilliant stint at the Julliard and has not stopped capturing the hearts and minds of his audiences ever since, all over the world.

The concert will be held at the Hilton on October 01 and again at the Lionel Wendt on October 3.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager