Vimukthi makes Lanka proud with Camera d'Or Award

VIMUKTHI Jayasundara, the winner of Camera d' Or Award for his first feature film Sulanga Enu Pinisa - La Taree Abandone (Forsaken Land) at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival not only brought fame with him to his motherland, but proved that Sri Lanka has talented and creative directors and creative artistes in par with International standard.

Award winning Vimukthi (27) was given a rousing welcome by Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Vijitha Herath, film artistes and other well-wishers at the Bandaranaike International Airport on June 1.

"I am eager to hear what the cinema critics and film goers have to say about my film Sulanga Enu Pinisa. They will decide whether it is worth an award or not", were the humble words of Vimukthi.

However he did not forget to thank and share his joy with his colleagues.

Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama stressed the importance of having a cinema academy.

Cultural Affairs Minister Herath described the Cannes Film Festival as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and it is a great privilege to receive such an award.

He also said it is important that a separate day be set aside for the screening of Sri Lankan films at the festival. Minister Herath said Vimukthi's award represents Asia except China.

Dr. Lester James Peries while congratulating Vimukthi said that young talented people need Government support. "The cinema belongs to the young and they need financial support".

He said the time is right for Vimukthi to go for the 'Golden Palm, which is the biggest award.

Selen who represented the French Embassy said Vimukthi is at the beginning of a long and promising career.

Chairman of the Film Corporation Sunil S. Sirisena said the Cinema Academy is no longer a dream and gave Vimukthi an assurance that the film Sulanga Enu Pinisa will be screened through the State Film Corporation.

Sulanga Enu Pinisa was shot in Kalpitiya last year. The cast comprises Mahendra Perera, Kaushalya Fernando, Hemasiri Liyanage, Nilupuli Jayawardena, Saumya Liyanage and Sapurni Peiris. The Director of Photography is Channa Deshappriya while the Script is also by Vimukthi.

Among those who attended the function to honour Vimukthi were Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Vijitha herath, Dr. Lester James Peries and Sumithra Peries, Film Corporation Chairman Sunil S. Sirisena, Prof. Somarathna Balasooriya, Popular Actor Ravindra Randeniya and Selen representing the French Embassy.

Popular Actor Rvindra Randeniya said long before Sri Lanka received international acclaim in cricket, our country gained a reputation for producing creative films.

However Vimukthi said although everyone likes and loves the cinema so much, there are still a lot of challenges and numerous obstacles one has to face when making a film.

- Anjalie Garnier