Response by local fans will be testimony to my award - Vimukthi
 

by Ranil Wijayapala

He had no doubt that the best testimonial to my award from the Cannes International Film Festival would come from the Sri Lankan fans once it is screened for the local audience, Vimukthi Jayasundera who won the Camera d'Or award for his debut film 'Sulanga Enu Pinisa' at the Cannes International Film festival said yesterday.

Vimukthi Jayasundara holding his prized possession arrived in Sri Lanka to a hero's welcome yesterday afternoon. "Sulanga Enu Pinisa" beat films from 30 other countries to the prestigious award.

Veteran and young film makers,industry official and fans thronged the Bandaranaike International Airport to welcome Vimukthi on his triumphant return. Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Vijitha Herath and National Film Corporation Chairman Sunil S. Sirisena received Vimukthi Jayasundara at the airport.

Addressing a media conference organised by the National Film Corporation at Galadari hotel Colombo last night Vimukthi said the country should have received this award forty years ago if only Sri Lankan film makers did possess better equipment.

Vimukthi Jayasundara was the first Sri Lankan to receive the prestigious Camera d'Or award for the debut film in the 58 years old history of the Cannes International Film festival.

The film Rekhava by Lester James Peiris was the only film represented at the Cannes International Film festival.

Vimukthi said the film had already been taken for distribution by United States, Spain, France and Germany following his debut feature film received prestigious award at the 58th Cannes Film festival.

National Film Corporation Chairman Sunil S. Sirisena has undertaken the responsibility of distributing Vimukthi's international award winning film to be distributed in Sri Lanka through the National Film Corporation.

Vimukthi Jayasundara received this Camera d'Or award which is dedicated for the debut film maker along with American film maker Mirad July. Vimukthi offered his gratitude to the those who contributed for his film a success at this felicitation ceremony.

Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Vijitha Herath, veteran of Sri Lankan cinema Dr. Lester James Peries, Prof. Somaratna Balasuriya and Ravindra Randeniya were at hand to congratulate Vimukthi at this ceremony.