Youth learn film-making techniques

The ten-day Children's Film Camp organised by the US Embassy and the Galle Film Festival draws to a successful close this weekend with a screening at the Punchi Theatre in Borella of the eight short films made by the participants. There will also be a public screening of their films at the Galle Film Festival this October. The films will also be posted on the US Embassy's website and its Facebook page (US Embassy Colombo).

Forty young people from Moneragala, Hatton, Batticaloa, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Hambantota, Jaffna, Galle, Anuradhapura, Matara and Bandarawela lived together and learned the art and techniques of film-making. This ten-day workshop was held at the Sarvodaya Training Centre in Bandaragama.

The American acting coach Constance Tillotson collaborated with well-known Sri Lankan filmmakers Anoma Rajakaruna and Kasinathar Gnanadas. A committed team of trilingual volunteers also facilitated the smooth flow of the camp.

Eight groups of five young people each made short films that they wrote and developed. The films ranged from thought-provoking stories about sibling relationships, dangers of prejudice, effects of discrimination, eradication of dengue using the format of a 'thovil' (with a 'yaka' as the mosquito) and a rather tragic story about tsunami relief. One team had made their film a 'silent film'.