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| Saturday, 4 October 2003 |
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Compiled by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Prof. Ariyaratne comes out of the Shadows Groundwork being laid for next film:
Last week, he was a totally different person, laying the foundation for his next film. The credit for the encouragement received by this acclaimed film maker solely goes to the 2003 Sarasaviya Award Festival where his last film " Sudu Sevanali" (Shadows of the White) grabbed eight awards including Best Film. "I am very satisfied about the achievements of the film," Prof. Ariyaratne told Stage and Screen adding that he would consider this film as a " milestone " in his film career spanning nearly three decades. "In fact, this film would have marked either the end or the resurrection of my film career. Fortunately, it was the latter," he added. Sudu Sevanali (Shadows of White) bagged eights awards for the best film, supporting actress, sound effects, make up, art direction, up coming actor, lyricist and songstress. Sunil himself was awarded the Best Lyricist award. "In fact this is my eighth Sarasaviya award for the best lyricist. Sunil has so far won eight such awards. 'I may be the highest award winning lyricist with five Presidential awards," he added. In his trail-blazing career, Prof. Ariyaratne has directed 16 films - many went on to win awards and earned much critical acclaim. "Out of all these, I can be satisfied about only a handful of creations while in others, I think - I have failed to utilise those opportunities." Recalling his film records, Prof. Ariyaratne says Anupama released in 1979 still marks a significant milestone in his career. Among other films which Prof. Ariyaratne is proud of are; Sarungalaya, Podi Malli (1981), Siribo Aiyya (1981), Kristhu Charithaya (Life of Jesus Christ), Bamba Ketu Hati and Kela Mal which became the country's first cinemascope film. The unique feature in Sunil's career is choosing completely different themes for his creations. "Throughout my cinematic career, I have explored different and novel themes which propelled me into heights of the film industry." It was also noteworthy that Prof. Ariyaratne's first film was released after he had completed 10 films. "This was a rather unusual opportunity extended to me. Even without seeing my first film, ten producers offered me opportunities to do films. I am happy as I did not disappoint any of these producers as no film suffered losses." An acclaimed activist in many aesthetic disciplines, Prof. Ariyaratne is a Presidential award winner not only as a film maker, but also as a lyricist, novelist and a researcher-writer on the historical development of Sri Lankan music and popular culture. "My film career is based on trial and error as I don't have a teacher for my film career," says Prof. Ariyaratne adding that he had first-hand experience in film making through R.D. Adikari's wildlife films. Later, he had joined the crew of Madol Duwa and this experience encouraged him to do a short film while studying at the university. He completed this film - Saragi in 1970. One of his brothers had given him Rs 10,000 for this film. His award winning film Sudu Sevanali (Shadows of White) comes after a lapse of nearly one decade since his previous film Kristhu Charithaya (Life of Jesus Christ). "In directing this film, I adopted a very simple principle and form as I wanted to infuse the genuine simple form that principled the Sinhala folk poetry," he added. Prof. Ariyaratne said he shunned all the technical acrobatics intentionally in this film and used only a few flashback sequences because there was no other way to reveal the background and the past experiences of the principal characters. The film is based on an award winning novel by Piyadasa Welikannage. The backdrop to the novel is the insurrection against the ruling British colonialists in the mid 19th century. It exposes how Sri Lankan culture was moulded over the years by the Buddhist philosophy. The film was done in cinemascope format and Prof. Ariyaratne had to rent special camera equipment from India. The entire film was shot under natural settings on location in the backdrop of the rustic hills of Matale. "I had to face enormous difficulties in capturing the " pristine " mid 19th century atmosphere prevailing in Sri Lanka at that time, specially due to TV antennas and electricity cables. There are TV antennas sticking into the sky even in the far-off poverty stricken villages." Prof. Ariyaratne was extremely pleased with the critical reviews gained by the film. "Almost all the prominent critics appreciated the film and it has also achieved international recognition," he added. The film has been featured at a number of international film festivals including Fukouka in Japan, Berlin, Singapore, Calcutta India. The film was selected and shown in the non-competition section in these festivals. Prof. Ariyaratne says the awards received at the Sarasaviya Film festival and the critical reviews that followed had given him ample encouragement to make another film. "I will definitely do another film and I am looking forward to an appealing script and as soon as I get that, work on my next film will commence," he added. ################ Fast and Furious action at Majestic Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) drives on the streets of Los Angeles as if he owns them. The races are street theare, tribal gathering and battlefeild fuelled by adrenaline, sexual tension and raw out of control speed.
Dominic spends his days putting wrench-time into high performance racing cars - make and model matter less than the computer-controlled fuel injection that makes them fly. In nights, Dominic pilots his own earth bound rocket, pocketing as much as US $ 10,000 a ride when somebody has the nerve to race him. Directed by Rob Cohen, the film also stars Paul Walkner (Brian) who is under deep cover, investigating a series of sensational big-rig hijackings. The Police and FBI need it to stop before the truckers take matters into their own hands. Cash flows freely through the street racing scene and the cops know some of that money is dirty. Film revolves round the FBI's attempt to bring those culprits into book while Dominic and Brian is enaaged in a constant car racing battle. Continuing the sensation of this film, its next attraction - The 2Fast and The 2Furious will be screened from October 17. ################ MTV - new look, new fare The popular MTV Channel has come up with a variety of explosive entertainment programmes catering to a wide range of audiences.
The 24 Series II each covering one hour and told in real time also in the new programs. It was arguably the most innovative and thrilling drama on television last season. In this new season Jack Bauer and his daughter must deal with the trauma of losing their wife/mother as Jack is called upon to stop another terrorist plot with global implications. It was nominated for five Televisi2on Critics Association awards and received two awards for Outstanding New Programme of the year and Programme of the Year. Other programmes include Ally McBeal, Baywatch Hawaii, Dark Angel, Simpsons etc.
The Simpsons has been acclaimed by critics and fans alike as one of television's most hilarious portraits of the American family. Academy winner James Cameron (Titanic, T2) teams with Emmy award winner Charles Eglee (Murder One) to create Dark Angel, a sci-fi adventure series set in the near future. It stars Jessica Alba as Max, a genetically enhanced human prototype with attitude to spare. ############## "Razzle Dazzle"
The children, between the ages of ten to eighteen will exhibit their exceptional talents and be sure, you will be there in the audience to witness this rare evenings entertainment. Reserve your place early and avoid disappointment. Box Plan is now available at the School Office. |
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Produced by Lake House |
When I met Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne a few months back, he was highly
critical and worried about the film industry. He even went on to say that
he might " give up " making films.
This is what one can view and expereince in The Fast and The Furious
which is being screened at the Majectic Cinema. This fast moving film and
action filled movie assures you a novel expereince with fast running cars.
This includes latest multi award winning blockbuster movies such as
Jerry McGuire, Bone Collector, Deep End of the Ocean, Big Daddy and Dance
With Me starring the biggest names of Hollywood.
Allay McBeal is multiple emmy award winner David E. Kelley's (the
Practice, Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, Boston Public) sophisticated comedy
laced with poignant drama. Last year the series won the Emmy award for
outstanding comedy series as well as earning 12 other Emmy nominations.
The students of Stafford International School will present an
extravaganza of Music, Song and Dance at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on
October 10th, 11th and 12th, 2003 titled 'Razzle Dazzle'. With Soundarie
David as Music Director and the Choreography supported by two
professionals Kanthi Ranchigoda and Yoshita Abeysekera "Razzle
Dazzle" is sure to be a remarkable experience.
