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Completes 56 years : Sinhala cinema to project better image in future

A series of programmes have been drawn up next week under the patronage of the National Film Corporation (NFC) to mark the 56th anniversary of the local film industry. Steps will also be taken to ensure the future improvement of this medium which entertains people from all walks of life.

In order to celebrate the long journey of Sinhala cinema, patrons will be admitted free to the 6.30 pm screening at all theatres on January 21, on which the 56th anniversary falls, following a request by NFC Chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa.

"Besides, I have requested all cinemas to screen more Sinhala films on these two days as much as possible, in a bid to bring the local cinema closer to the public," he added.

A two day special programme will be held on January 20 and 21 at the National Art Gallery and the John de Silva Memorial Theatre respectively. "All of these programmes are open to the public," says Jayantha. It will include lectures, discussions and dialogues on the past and future of the film industry and will be attended by veterans in the industry, critics and other intellectuals.

"These programmes aim to attract more people towards the local film sector, specially creating awareness among the younger generation," says Dharmadasa.

Already, he has dedicated 2003 for reviving cinema attendance and attracting new crowds. "The future of the local film industry is very clear as I always say - tomorrow is brighter than the past," he added.

Dharmadasa also plans to improve film conservation. "The Corporation's present film archive will be shifted to a new place which will have modern features for preserving old hits for the future generations."

Besides, a 600 acre estate located in Kandy will be upgraded for film shooting. It will also be open for foreign films. The land behind the Corporation premises is also to be developed for shooting films, while laying further emphasis on upgrading the cinemas.

A newly equipped colour laboratory will also be commissioned shortly. "The Sarasavi Studio will be modernised to allow mixing and editing of films to be done locally."

Lankan cinema was born with the screening of Kadawuna Poronduwa (Broken Promise) in 1948. Until then, local audiences thrived on a staple of English, Hindi and Tamil films. Naturally, the first Sinhala movies, shot in India, had basically the same plots and song and dance sequences. The only difference was the language.

Lester James Peries' Rekhawa (Line of Destiny/1956) was the first Sinhala film to break away from this formula, with a real local story about a boy who can cure illnesses by touch. Even the songs were completely original. This was too much of a shock for the local audiences and the film was not a box office hit. However, Lester's second film Gamperaliya was a critical as well as commercial success. The song-and-dance films were not forgotten, though. Every year, cinemagoers are offered a mix of commercial and artistic films.

From the day that the silver screen at the Regal hosted Kadawuna Poronduwa, Sinhala cinema has not looked back, winning accolades at global festivals and hearts at home.

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Queen of Sinhala music - 55 years at the throne

She needs no introduction. Her haunting vocals still captivate the Sinhala music lover. She is the "Rejina Mamai" in the local music scene.

Lata Walpola, still a household name, will mark the 55th milestone in her path-breaking musical career with a mega musical concert at the BMICH today (18) at 6.30 pm.

The concert titled " Rejina Mamai " will trace the long musical career of this evergreen songstress. It will bring forth her varied experiences with a host of other co-singers with colourful dance performances by leading dance troupes.

In her remarkable career spanning over five decades, Lata has sung thousands of songs and also rendered her voice for playback in over 500 films. Most of her songs have stood the test of time, maintaining popularity from generation to generation.

A unique feature in Lata's array of talents is that she had voiced actresses of different eras. Having learnt the techniques of voice-moulding in the church choir, she launched her musical career as a playback artiste for the film Eda Re (That Night) in 1953.

Her song "Sihina Hathak Meda" in the film 'Getawarayo' (Youth) is still a hit. Another of her songs which captivates the heart and soul of music lovers is that incomparable tribute to the Virgin Mother titled "Namo Mariyani".

It was through her musical career that she met her future partner in life Dharmadasa Walpola, another prominent name in the local music scene. With him he sang such popular hits such as Me Samuya Ratriye and Asawe Sihina Sandelle.

Almost every music director in the country has composed music for her songs.

She has won a number of awards including the prestigious Sarasaviya awards, President's award and OCIC.

A number of veteran and popular singers will join Lata's concert. Among them are Sanath Nandasiri, Victor Ratnayake, Susil Premaratne, Ishak Beig, Rukantha Gunathilake, Nuwan Gunawardena, Saman de Silva, Ravindra Randeniya, Amith Walpola, Suneth Walpola, Rajive Sebastian and Greshan Ananda.

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The Long Kiss Goodnight at Liberty

Packed with energy, drama, humour and suspense, The Long Kiss Goodnight, which will be screened at the Liberty Cinema from today will bring a thrilling experience to the movie lovers.

The film which stars Green Davis and Samuel Jackson is directed by Renny Harlin. Davis portrays Samantha Caine, a suburban school teacher suffering from amnesia. When Caine's mysterious past begins to haunt her idyllic life, she sets out on a desperate search to discover her true identity.

With the assistance of Mitch Hennessey (Jackson), a dead-beat private detective, the two follow a trail of clues into the middle of a conspiracy led by rouge elements of the US intelligence community and a notorious international arms dealer.

Repressed from her memory is her former life as Charly Baltimore, a highly trained secret agent involved in the government's most unscrupulous affairs - but she is slowly emerging. Hennesy must help Caine rekindle her dangerous past.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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