Siddhartha reborn
Priyanka Kurugala
Kelaniya is an ancient kingdom shrouded in mystery. Some of our most
famous historical tales are associated with Kelaniya. The Light of Asia
Foundation had taken further steps to enhance its historical value by
producing an epic film on Siddhartha Gauthama in the backdrop of
Kelaniya.
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A model of a construction which will be made for the movie
Siddhartha Gauthama |
Kelaniya is considered one of the most suitable places for shooting
Siddhartha Gauthama. Bodagama Chandima Thera, the high priest of
Thailand, had provided the location to create the models of Suba castle
and King Suddhodana's castle. The land is surrounded by a stream. It is
like a natural protective canal.
A part of the land will be allocated for the world Buddhist centers
in Piliyandala and the rest to construct several other model buildings.
"The king's palace called Suprabuddha and Kapilawasthu city will be
created on this land. All the work is conducted under the initiative of
President Mahinda Rajapaksa," Cinema Committee Chairman and former Film
Cooperation General Manger Saman Weeraman said.
The models of Prince Siddhartha's training centers, education centers
and the abodes Alarakalama and Uddakaramapuththa will also be
constructed in Piliyandala. These models will be converted into Buddhist
centers after shooting. The film will be shot in many Buddhist countries
including Sri Lanka and Nepal. Lumbini, the garden where Siddhartha was
born, will be created at Pataya, Thailand. Its construction process will
be under the charge of senior archaeologist Dr Bisanta Bidhari.
"There are 41 Buddhist countries in the world. Funds will be provided
for the project under the blessing of national and international
devotees," Weeraman noted.
Shooting will begin in the first week of January, 2011. They hope to
screen the film between Vesak Full Moon Poya day, 2011, and Vesak Full
Moon Poya day, 2012.
Seven scripts have been considered for the movie.
The team finally settled on season journalist Edwin Ariyadasa and
script writer Saman Weeraman's work.
The foundation is also engaged in holding the third international
Buddhist Film Festival in Sri Lanka, to mark the 2600th Sambuddhthwa
Jayanthi. 74 local films won awards at past festivals which showcased
films from countries like Iran, Iraq, Turkey, USA, Malaysia, Germany,
South Korea, Spain, France and many other countries. |
