Let’s launch a cine-culture movement

By Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

“Without culture and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle.
That is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.”

- Albert Camus
(1913-1960)
French Nobel Laureate.

In almost an imperceptible process, Sinhala cinema has begun to ungergo a dynamic change. It will be rash, at this stage, to characterise this transformation as a ‘revolution’.

But at a surprising swiftness, the personality of Sri Lankan cinema, keeps on displaying impressive alterations, nowadays. A new life seems to be stirring within our cinematic traditions, signifying a wholesome trace of renewal.

Just about five years ago, those who had even a vestigial state in Sri Lankan cinema (Sinhala films, to be specific), suffered a continued bout of deep pessimism.

The modicum of Sinhala films in supply – though produced with high hype and a great gush, and launched with tantalising tinsel-dazzle and fanfarecould not entice a sufficient audience to the theatre, to ensure an adequate turn-over.

Cinemas seemed deserted when Sinhala films were being theatrically presented.

Exceptional creations

It must of course be said that a few exceptional creations could tear away this lethargy and achieve a sustained display for a while.

But it did not quite mean that a “season” had arrived for the Sinhala films.

But an impressive development has been registered in the very recent past, allowing many to entertain hopes of a regeneration of the Sri Lankan cinema.

Some ‘blockbusters’ (minor in terms of what other nations are capable of) succeeded in bringing in crowds and droves of cinema-goers, to view some spectacular Sinhala cinema works.

In the ushering in of this salutary tendency, it must be said quite objectively, that film virtuozo Jackson Anthony led the way with his Aba. But this phenomenan did not work out to be a sustained trend.

The consolidation of this spectacular audience participation was achieved undoubtedly by the film epic “Sri Siddhartha Gautama” created in the proper aesthetic measure. This film gloriously proved its capacity to unerringly touch the heart and soul of dedicated film-goers.

The cinema saga, dramatically animated a spiritual quest, that is a built-in urge in the universal human psyche. All human beings seek liberation – though this yearning may or may not be articulated within them.

The film spoke to the inner soul of all.

It succeeded in Sri Lanka overwhelmingly. It was triumphantly acclaimed by devoted masses in Vietnam. The world at large has indicated that it is awaiting this kind of creative gift from Sri Lanka.

New turn

Sri Lankan cinema took an absolutely new turn with it. Currently we see a plethora of such themes being converted into mega Sri Lankan films.

Part of the “change” I referred to is the discovering of a cornucopia of unfailing mega themes for Sri Lankan cinema, to keep it sustained in terms of subject.

But, this does not imply that we have reached the initial stage of a solid Sri Lankan cinema culture.

We are still a long way away from realising the long longed-for Sri Lankan cinema culture.

Classic

An isolated classic does not form a unique culture. We have to build a mass awareness of the need for total national heritage of outstanding cinematic works.

We currently rejoice, in our possession of a glorious national culture, that can take its prestigious place among the exquisite cultures of the totality of humanity.

We have become the privileged legatees of our unique culture, because our ancestors built a whole heritage of accumulated human treasures.

They left a gift to the future which we represent and bask in.

But, in cinema, have we consciously begun to setup unique ‘edifices,’ that will form our gift to the future generations.

We have not even initiated a worthwhile national discourse about our film tradition.

Cinema savant

This is the proper moment to be keenly mindful of this need.

We have just celebrated the 95th birthday of our cinema savant Lester James Peries. This illustrious birthday could be converted to the auspicious occasion when all those who value our heritage, could jointly and collectively resolve, to inaugurate the effort to methodically initiate Sri Lanka’s cinema culture.

To build a “culture” we must in the first instance, possess a comprehensive grasp of history.

Such a history about our cinema, has to be compiled, perhaps, with statepatronage.

Sri Lankans should be persuaded to take a due pride in our cinema and those dedicated personalities associated with it. Way back in 1969, I initiated the teaching of cinema at academic level. (Please do not midunderstand the “I” in this statement. It is merely to record history.) Formalised study of cinema should begin now. Museums, labs, study courses should be set-up.

Over the decades, we have created scintillating galaxies of directors were renowned actors, actresses and technicians who are adept in their specialities and above all such multifaceted men of cinema like Dr. D. B. Nihalsinghe.

A practical mechanism should be formulated to bring all these distinguished talents together.

I am keen to name admirable men and women of Sri Lankan cinema. But, as things are, this is hardly the place for it.

Guided by discerning cinema scholars, we could launch the Sri Lankan Cine Culture Movement today, as a lasting tribute to Dr. Lester James Peries at 95.