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| Sunday, 21 September 2003 |
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The movie in the making Vimukthi Fernando (with her notebook) and Thilak Perera (with camera in hand) get behind the scenes with Somaratne Dissanayake and his film crew during a shoot on location at Mawaragala.
We hear the voices so close. But, where is the group of artistes we are to meet? Finally, we see them atop a rock. A makeshift ladder of poles, sticks and vines help us climb the rock-face. It had not been easy to reach there. The journey from Colombo started at 9.00 in the night, lasted till 4.00 a.m. With just a wink of sleep at the Mahaweli Centre, Girandurukotte, we were back again on our way to Mawaragala, off Mahiyangana, Dambana. Past the woods of the Mawaragala Monastery the ascent uphill was quite challenging on a footpath layered with slippery Mana grass. Besides the rock is a small cave. A busy place where action is rampant. And dangerous too, in its own manner. While some mind the electric wires and the power generators, another draw up cables to fix the track (mobile camera unit), yet another is engaged with the make-up of an artiste, in pumping water from a reservoir about 600 meters off to create a pond and a waterfall. And some take care of the humans, providing them food and drink, some take care of the animals - the bear and the fawn. It is tedious if not nearly impossible. The production employs over 30 villagers to help them in the hauling of equipment. Besides the artistes, a technical crew of a higher number is needed to man the details. Amidst the hustle and bustle is a commanding but kindly voice providing guidance and direction to all. "Hello, what time did you come?" the voice booms. He was too busy working in the cave with a camera crew to notice our presence about a quarter hour back. "Make yourselves at home!" says the renowned film director, Somaratne Dissanayake. He is engaged in the making of his latest film "Suriya Arana." The search for suitable locations "lasted over nine months" says Somaratne. Finally, "the perfect natural cave, was found in Mawaragala." Though they were to use a not so perfect cave in Kegalle near a stream, "for the simple reason it was close to Colombo and that made everything easier. Due to the rain that cave is partly submerged in water. So, we selected this option though it is more difficult for the technical crew as well as artistes."
Part of the film was made in Meemure the ancient village resting at the foothills of the Knuckles range. There again difficulties abound, according to Somaratne. However, "it is encouraging to work with a team of committed artistes who do their duty however difficult the task is. That keeps me going and makes me very happy," he adds. Mawaragala and Meemure are not the only locations the filming takes place. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Wasgamuwa and Yala are yet other locations included in a list. The need for different locations is the contribution of his favourite actors and actresses - the animals, explains Somaratne. Besides the 'stars' - an elephant, a bear, a leopard and a fawn, there will be a number of small animals 'acting' in the production. "Animals are the best actors. When they face the camera, they are their natural selves. However, we have to lead them and give them the right cues," Somaratne goes on. "The children come next. This production is focused on children and animals. However, it is an adult theme," he explains. Environment conservation is what Somaratne wants to bring out through his creation. The plot of Suriya Arana revolves round the friendship between a young Samanera (Dasun Madhushanka) and Tikira (Sajitha Anuththara), the son of a hunter. Sediris, the hunter (Jackson Anthony) though eking out his livelihood by killing animals, does not engage in brutal killings. That's why he spares a doe and a fawn though he is not sure as to when he will find the next kill. However, the forest is his 'territory' and through the fear of ghosts and devils he prevents the villagers from entering and trespassing in the forest. His travails begin when a monk (Jayalath Manoratne) chooses a cave in the jungle for his abode. Villagers start visiting the monk at his cave and an inseparable friendship develops between the young Samanera and the hunter's son. Besides the main roles of Jayalath Manoratne and Jackson Anthony, supporting roles are played by Jayani Senanayeka, Dulika Marapone, G.R. Perera and many others. Theatre artists, were preferred over others for this production, says Somaratne. And the two novel actors, Dasun and Sajitha were finally selected out of over 300 children called for the auditions. There are other novelties in Suriya Arana as well. And that is on its technical side. The use of cable track (camera on a cable) and Kodak Vision 2 film. "It is the first time that cable track is used in Sri Lanka and the first time Kodak Vision 2 is used in the Asian region" says Somaratne. The production is supported by many a veteran in their particular fields. Channa Deshapriya directs the camera while Ebert Wijesinghe heads make up and Rohana Weerasinghe provides the music. Renuka Balasuriya is the Production Manager and Producer rolled into one. Seen and heard on the sets: "Well, I don't wait for a change all the time. Once I stopped at the Mahiyangana town to buy something. And the passers by were wondering who was the Vedda who jumped into the car and drove it off! "The time we visited Vannila Attho, he was wondering who this new Vedda was. But, he recognised me and we were having a chat when a team of visitors came to see Veddas. Somehow they had got a clue and were pointing at me, and I slowly told the interpreter to tell them that I know there is another 'Hoora' in the city who looks just like me." -Jackson Anthony- "Look at the way actors are treated nowadays!" - (Jayalath Manoratne,) hearing the trainer scold the bear for its refusal to stay in place for the proper 'camera angle' "I told Somaratne that if he wants to do any more films of this kind, to better forget about film directing" - (Renuka Balasuriya) - hauling a rubber hose up the hill to create the little pond. |
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