Cinema removes cultural barriers - minister

Ishara Mudugamuwa

A cinematographer is able to read society and can express it smoothly, Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

He said so at the 3rd SAARC Film Festival at the SAARC Cultural Centre, recently.

"We should remove the barriers of cultural differences improving co-operation within the SAARC region. In this aspect, the visual media can make a great influence. Cultural exchange programmes among member countries should be increased," he said, adding SAARC should pay more attention to this. The minister said the primary objective of SAARC is to improve economical, social and cultural co-operation among member countries.

Since its inception, SAARC had implemented a number of programmes throughout the region to date, preserving the independence of member countries in economic, political, social and cultural spheres."Cinema is also a universal language such as literature, art and culture. It can conquer linguistic barriers. I consider the SAARC Film Festival as an exceptional occasion in improving regional co-operation," the minister said. A film based on certain incident would educate society, save people from negativity, create awareness, provide entertainment and act as a tool of society mobilization," he said.

The minister said a cinematographer would present a series of complicated incidents to the audience in a delicate manner and would enter their minds. He/she would strongly use visuals with matching music rather than the spoken language.