Thirty-first 'Sarasaviya' film festival kicks off

by Deepal Warnakulasuriya

The 'Sarasaviya' film festival which has become a national event will be held this year for the 31st time. "All arrangements have been made to hold the film festival to mark the 60th anniversary of the local film industry" said ANCL Chairman Sarath Kongahage at a press briefing last week.

The event which includes the screening of popular films celebrities and seminars will be held on April 5 from 6.00 p.m. at the BMICH main hall.

Fifteen movies screened during 2005 and 20 from 2006 will compete for the two-year bracket. It is organised by the ANCL cinema newspaper Sarasaviya is sponsored by the People's Bank. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be the chief guest.

The organisers have also arranged two mini festivals at Kandy and Kurunegala. Films: Anjalika, Sulanga, Sewwandi, Nilambare and Hiripodawessa will be screened at the Imperial Cinema Hall, Kurunegala from March 14 to 18.

A seminar for schoolchildren will also be held on March 14 at 8.30 a.m. at the Kurunegala Town Hall and lectures will be delivered by eminent cinema personalities.

The Kandy film festival will be held from March 23 to 25 at the Regal Theatre, Kandy. The seminar in Kandy will be held on March 22 at the cultural centre, Kandy.