Sri Lankan Classic ‘Gehenu Lamai’ Set to Shine at Cannes Film Festival

Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage reflects on the significance of “Gehenu Lamai” as it makes a debut restoration at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, directed by Sumitra Peries, captures the complexities of adolescence through a compelling narrative about love and duty. Its restoration comes after years of dedicated efforts, showcasing the need for preserving cinematic history. This milestone highlights the contributions of Sri Lankan cinema and emphasizes the artistry of Peries as a pioneering female director.

In an exciting development for cinematic history lovers, Sri Lankan director Prasanna Vithanage recalls his youthful enchantment with the 1978 film “Gehenu Lamai”. Directed by Sumitra Peries, the film paints a delicate portrait of adolescence, akin to an Impressionist artwork in both complexity and beauty. Vithanage reflects on the film’s unique poetic cinematic language, sharing that he was so captivated that he viewed it three times during its initial release. Even decades later, its impact remains undiminished.

This Sinhala-language feature, which Sumitra Peries also scripted and edited, is truly a rhythmic masterpiece. “Gehenu Lamai” will make its appearance at the Cannes Film Festival from May 13 to 24, showcased under the classics and restored titles section. Alongside, the Film Heritage Foundation will also present Satyajit Ray’s seminal work “Aranyer Din Ratri” from 1970, emphasizing the significance of these classic films, as noted by Dungarpur.

Leading the Sri Lankan delegation will be actors Vasanthi Chaturani and Ajith Jinadasa, with Dungarpur expressing excitement over the restoration process that finally brings “Gehenu Lamai” to a global audience. He recalls, “It is an emotional moment for us… This restoration culminates years of effort to preserve Sri Lankan cinematic treasures.” The journey started when Dungarpur first met Sumitra Peries in 2009 while shooting a commercial in Sri Lanka.

An introduction by popular actor Ravindra Rendeniya prompted Dungarpur to explore Peries’s work. Familiar with Peries’s films from his student days, he later sought her insights for his documentary “Celluloid Man.” Warm and engaging, Sumitra and her late husband, Lester James Peries, fostered an atmosphere where film discussions flourished. Eventually, they embarked on a project to restore her films, starting with “Gehenu Lamai.”

Sumitra Peries, right until her passing in 2023, was one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering female directors. Vithanage highlights that prior to “Gehenu Lamai,” she was known chiefly as Lester’s partner, but this film allowed her to assert her own identity in the cinematic world. Her artistry and longevity have left a lasting mark on Sri Lankan cinema, according to critics.

Notably, “Gehenu Lamai” tells the story of Kusum, enamored with Nimal but torn between societal expectations and personal affections. The film, adapted from Karunasena Jayalath’s novel, is rich with lyrical storytelling and nimble performances. It captures the complexities of youthful love, particularly from a girl’s perspective, concentrated against a backdrop of serene Sri Lankan landscapes. Here, cinematography shines through the work of MS Ananda, who skillfully framed the emotional nuances of the characters.

Despite its critical acclaim, “Gehenu Lamai” had seen better days, as it fell into disrepair over the decades. A significant grant from FISCH helped the Film Heritage Foundation revive the film, managing to restore it in 4K from the original prints preserved at the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Dungarpur noted that the undertaking was arduous, with damaged reels necessitating meticulous attention to detail during the restoration by the L’Immagine Ritrovata lab in Bologna, Italy.

Screening at Cannes, “Gehenu Lamai” is positioned alongside films from renowned directors like Mikio Naruse and Stanley Kubrick, highlighting its revival as a crucial point for audiences. Vithanage remarks on its subtleness, noting the film’s artistry, defining a complexity of emotion without overt sensuality. As the film’s presence aligns with Payal Kapadia’s recent work, complete with jury representation at the festival, it becomes apparent that “Gehenu Lamai” is poised to be a gem rediscovered amidst cinematic giants.

In summary, “Gehenu Lamai” stands as a landmark of Sri Lankan cinema, beautifully restored and poised to captivate audiences once again at the Cannes Film Festival. This film, with its rich emotional undertones and artistic style, not only represents the significance of Sumitra Peries’s contributions to film but also marks an important step in preserving and celebrating international cinema. As it joins other classics on the global stage, its historical and cultural resonance is likely to remind audiences anew of the power of storytelling through film.

Original Source: scroll.in