CINEMA

Cinema Directory 2012

The National Film Corporation is gathering details to compile its annual Cinema Directory. The directory comprises the contact details of artistes, directors, technicians and other personalities connected with the country’s film industry.

All those connected with the film industry are asked to send the information: telephone numbers, addresses, e mail addresses and web addresses to the: Head, Publicity Division, The National Film Corporation, No 224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, before August 5. For more details call 0112593430.

Mass Film Institute students release short films

Ruwini Jayawardana

Short films on focus

* Manasu by Rosina

* Manitham by Poo Karthick

* Vithi by Ithaya Kumar

* Illakku by Mayuran

* Leg by Deva

* Seruppu by Jasmir

* Shiva by Arul

* Good Selection by Anton Bothindan

* Azaippu by Shatheesraj

* Stop by Prashanth

There was a buzz of activity everywhere. After battling with theories and practicals all year round the chance to put their knowledge to practice was within their fingertips. The big day had finally arrived for the budding young filmmakers to showcase their creations.

Ten short films produced, directed and acted by the students of Nilapiriyan’s Mass Film Institute saw the light of day recently at the National Film Corporation recently. The event was the outcome of the one year diploma programme conducted by the institute. NFC Chairman Kumar Abeysinghe was the Chief Guest while Senior Minister Praba Ganeshan was the special guest. Former Deputy Minister V Puththirasigamani and Parliamentarian Siththarthan also graced the occasion. The event was chaired by Manipuavar Maruthur A Majeeed.

Speaking at the event Majeeed said that the Sri Lankan film industry is similar to the Indian cinema in many ways. However Indian films have earned bucks.

“Sri Lankan cinema has to face many obstacles before attaining this status. The foundation stones laid out by the Mass Film Institute will no doubt be able to overcome these hurdles,” he said.

The Mass Film Institute moulds directors and technicians to make quality productions. “The films illustrate humanity and nature. The students have done wonders in capturing the essence of the theme and emotions on camera. Their efforts are not wasted. The films are equivalent to Indian short films,” Abeysinghe said.

X-Men go First Class

X-Men: First Class charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga, and reveals a secret history of famous global events.

Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Not archenemies, they were instead at first the closest of friends, working together with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop Armageddon. Fox envisions X-Men: First Class as the first film of a new trilogy. Donner compared the franchise plans to be similar to the darker, more mature content of the Harry Potter film series. The movie will begin screening at Savoy 2 cinema, Wellawatte, from June 10.