Programmes to mark anniversaries of Sinhala cinema and Film Corporation

COLOMBO: An elaborate programme has been drawn up by the NFC on January 22 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Sinhala cinema which falls on January 21 and the 35th anniversary of the National Film Corporation (NFC).

The programme will begin at 7.00 a.m. with the opening of the new auditorium built at the NFC premises followed by a pirith chanting and a heel dana to Bhikkhus. This will be followed by the opening of the new Editing Studios and the exhibition stall built at the Dalugama NFC studio.

The rest of the programme at the NFC will be as follows: 1.30 p.m. - Release of the 2007 cinema artistes' Telephone Directory 2.00 p.m. - Introduction of digital film screening at the new NFC cinema hall, 3.30 p.m. - Discussion on Films 'Ammawarune' and 'Sankara' with Tissa Abeysekara as the guest speaker and 4.30 p.m. - Screening of the film 'Sankara'.

The NFC is also due to sign an MoU with the Kelaniya University on the launching of a Film Academy, said NFC publicity Manager Patrick Anthony.