SAARC Film Festival

SAARC Film Festival will be held from 22nd to 26th September 2020 in Sri Lanka. The Festival which is acclaimed for being the platform for regional engagement for the South Asian film fraternity will witness its 10th Edition this year. SCC has been working on the realignment of the festival format and the due precautionary measures to comply to the prevailing challenges.

SAARC Film Festival 2019

Date     : 2nd to 7th July 2019
Venue  : National Film Corporation Cinema Hall, Sri Lanka

SAARC Cultural Centre successfully conducted the Ninth SAARC Film Festival from 2nd to 7th of July 2019 at the National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka. The Festival was held for six consecutive days screening 34 films comprising of 15 Feature Films, 13 Short Films and 6 Master Films from the SAARC Member States of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Film Festival, which was a diverse celebration of cinematic creations through the medium of film, is an annual highlight of the Centre’s Calendar of activities. This year also the festival became an event for promotion, celebration and enjoyment of some of the best films from the South Asian Region.

INAUGURATION CEREMONY
2nd July 2019 at the National Film Corporation Cinema Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Inauguration Ceremony of the Ninth SAARC Film Festival took place at the Cinema Hall of the National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka. The Chief Guest for the event was Hon. Dr. Harsha De Silva, Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution, Sri Lanka. Distinguished Representatives from the SAARC Member States including film industry professionals from the Member States of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka were amongst the distinguished gathering. Moreover, Dignitaries from multitude of disciplines were present at the ceremony. The Inauguration Ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to the beat of the traditional Sri Lankan drums. The Chief Guest and other distinguished invitees were ceremoniously led to the hall by the traditional drums and dance ensemble.

Ms. Renuka Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre delivering the welcome address emphasized the significance of film making as a globally powerful form of art. She further added that the SAARC Film Festival is one of the most important cultural events keeping in line with the main objectives of SAARC Cultural Centre in promoting cultural cooperation amongst the Member States. Honourable Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution expressed his views relating to the government’s role in supporting the local film industry.

A three-member International Jury comprising Mr. Hassan Nazer (Iran, Head of the Jury), Ms. Milana Majar (Bosnia), and Mr. Emmanuel Dela Cruz (Philippines) were formally introduced by Mr. Dhanushka Gunathileke, Consultant of the Ninth SAARC Film Festival.

The First Film screened of the festival was the Master Film Padmaavat nominated by the honoured Member State of India.

MASTER CLASS
5th July 2019 at the Colombo Film and Television Academy

A Master Class was organised to coincide with the Ninth SAARC Film Festival on the 5th July 2019 at the Colombo Film and Television Academy. The topic under discussion was “Why do we need funding for independent Cinema”. The Master Class was introduced by Mr. Dhanushka Gunathileke, followed by a presentation from Head of the Jury Mr. Hassan Nazer. Mr. Nazer, an award-winning Film Director as well as a Jury Member at many international film festivals, shared his experiences and knowledge related to the theme. Ms. Milana Majar, Jury Member from Bosnia presented her views on the topic sharing her knowledge and experience in funding for Independent Cinema. Ms. Majar is a journalist, screenwriter and a film director with many documentary films to her credit. Mr. Emmanuel Dela Cruz from the Philippines shared his experience of Independent Cinema in Asia. Mr. Dela Cruz is a versatile screenwriter, filmmaker, theater artist, graphic artist and songwriter of international repute.

The Master Class provided an opportunity to young filmmakers of Sri Lanka to develop an understanding of the possibilities available for Independent Cinema and learn from experienced Film professionals. An interesting discussion followed the presentations where the international panel was able to share their knowledge of other topics related to cinema.

FILM SCREENINGS
2nd to 7th July 2019 at the National Film Corporation Cinema Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A total of 34 films comprising of 15 Feature Films, 13 Short Films and 6 Master Films nominated by SAARC Member States took place from 2nd to 7th July 2019 at the Cinema Hall of the National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka. Entrance was free to the public. It was a rare opportunity for audience members to view some of the best films from across the SAARC region.

CLOSING AND THE AWARDS CEREMONY
7th July 2019 at the National Film Corporation Cinema Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Closing and the Awards Ceremony of the Ninth SAARC Film Festival was held on the 7th July 2019 at the Cinema Hall of the National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Hon. J. C. Alawathuwala, State Minister of Internal & Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government of Sri Lanka. Secretary General of SAARC, H.E. Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial was the Guest of Honour. The Secretary General of SAARC in his address stated that the region’s films have the potential to showcase facets of the South Asian experience to the outside world, as well as promoting our rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.

Among the distinguished audience at the closing ceremony were Members of Diplomatic Corps of SAARC Member States in Colombo, Professionals from the Film Industry, other industries and film enthusiasts, etc. At the Awards Ceremony the Jury Members explained their collective deliberations on the selection of the winners. The Ceremony featured several cultural items including a traditional dance item and a drum fusion performance.

The winning film “NAGARKIRTAN” was screened after the Awards Ceremony.
The Ninth SAARC Film Festival 2019 was a very successful event. This festival featured some of the best and award-winning films of the Region, enabling the audience to enjoy the creative visual culture depicting social, cultural, political, etc., issues of South Asia portrayed through the cinematic lenses. The SAARC Cultural Centre was able to create a platform for the film industry professionals to learn from each other through the films and the masterclass. The ideas and knowledge exchanged and obtained from the international panel of Jury enabled the filmmakers to further develop their craft. The friendships developed during the festival has laid the seeds for future collaborations within the Region. The films also created an awareness the issues of the Region, providing an enriching experience and an understanding of the different countries of the Region.

Ninth SAARC Film Festival Award Winners

Ninth SAARC Film Festival 2019
AWARD WINNERS AND CITATIONS

1. BEST FEATURE FILM – NAGARKIRTAN – INDIA
For its most sensitive and delicate employment of the emphatic power of cinema, not just in depicting truth but understanding beyond prejudice, cultural, religious and gender borders.

2. BEST SHORT FILM – NA BOLE WO HARAM – INDIA
For its playful yet vital depiction of the young generation, searching within the deep cultural bias, and finally finding balance in understanding the moral code of right and wrong.

3. BEST DIRECTOR – MR. KAUSHIK GANGULY for the film NAGARKIRTAN – INDIA
For taking full reins in giving humanity, nuance, colour, exigency, impetus and form to a narrative of beautiful sexual identity and self-creation, beyond the tragedies of social prejudices.

4. BEST SCREENPLAY – Mr. AZIZ DEILDAR for the film LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT – AFGHANISTAN
For its courage to finally speak the truth about real events behind closed doors, the complex and corrosive relationship between government law and customary law and the unspoken but systemic depiction of injustice against a woman in Afghanistan

5. BEST ACTOR – MR. RIDDHI SEN in the film – NAGARKIRTAN – INDIA
For his sharply measured yet intricately beguiling portrayal of the inner life and outer transformations of a young boy coming out painstakingly from of its own constricting chrysalis into the light and embrace of self-acceptance as a woman.

6.BEST ACTRESS – MS. ANOMA JANADARI in the film DAVENA VIHAGUN – SRI LANKA
For her stoic but powerful, silent and blistering portrayal of “mother courage” in facing countless brutal degradation, and humiliation in carrying the double burden of being the centre and periphery of boundless, selfless parental love.

7. BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER – MR. ENAMUL HOQUE SOHEL for the film FAGUN HAOAY – BANGLADESH
For cinematically depicting the milieu, scope and period of historical significance, making each frame vital not just in pushing the narrative, but highlighting the culture, identity and aspirations of a collective mass of people.

8. BEST EDITOR – AJITH RAMANAYAKE & KATHARINA WARTENA for the film – DAVENA VIHAGUN – SRI LANKA
For creating an immersive and riveting experience, by combining the push and flow of slow takes, and precise cuts, weaving a tragic tale of inevitability unto its bleakest end.

9. BEST SOUND DESIGNER – MR. RIPON NATH for the film FAGUN HAOAY – BANGLADESH
For creating a tumultuous aural tapestry of the native spoken languages of a country and its people, in their everyday struggle and escalating conviction against a power-hungry and repressive foreign regime.

10. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MR. PRABUDDHA BANERJEE for the film NAGARKIRTAN – INDIA
For musically rendering the arrestingly soft, intoxicating and painstaking beauty of a unique kind of love between a musician and a young paramour, against the harsh realities of social judgement and prejudice.

11. Special Jury Award – (PERFORMANCE) – MS. SWASTIMA KHADKA for the film BULBUL – NEPAL
For fully committing and brilliantly bringing out the pain and agony, and still imbibing indefatigable courage, balancing mental, emotional and physical turmoil authentically, in a performance both fully transformed and transformative.

12. SPECIAL JURY (DIRECTION AND STORY) – MR. PRAVEEN MORCHHALE
For the film WALKING WITH THE WIND – INDIA
For mightily depicting a moving story of childhood innocence and single-minded purpose, and for its definitive direction and self-assured telling of its simple but joyful story.
_____________________________________________________________________________
NB: ADDITIONAL AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE JURY
13. SPECIAL JURY RECOGNITION (Certificate only):
TRADITION – SRI LANKA (for strong FEMALE PERSPECTIVE)
For courageously depicting the struggles of a young woman in reconciling personal relationships with gender politics and cultural bias, by giving light into her inner life and emotional nakedness.

14. SPECIAL JURY RECOGNITION (Certificate only):
TATTINI (Moon is Bright Tonight) –  NEPAL
For its picturesque and encompassing view of societal tradition and norm, in a story of a woman’s continued fight for marital ownership, acceptance and respect.

SCREENING SCHEDULE – SAARC Film Festival 2019

* Non-competitive entries

– Some of the films screened may contain adult content, parental guidance advised

– Films and Timings subject to change without prior notice

Entrance Free

– No bags will be allowed inside the Film Hall and adjacent premises at any time during the entire duration of the SAARC Film Festival 2019

– All persons will be subject to security checks prior to entering the premises and will be required to carry identification

RESCHEDULED – SAARC Film Festival 2019

The SAARC Cultural Centre is delighted to announce…

DATES AND VENUE

2nd July 2019
Inauguration Ceremony
@ The Cinema Hall, National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka

4th July 2019
Film Workshop
@ Colombo Film and Television Academy (Prior registration required)

7th July 2019
SAARC Film Awards and Closing Ceremony
@ The Cinema Hall, National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka

Further information will be available shortly at www.saarcculture.org

SAARC Film Festival 2019

1) INTRODUCTION

SAARC Cultural Centre will be holding the SAARC Film Festival for the 9th consecutive year in 2019 in Sri Lanka.  The SAARC Film Festival has built a reputation as being a very important platform and focal point for the promotion, celebration and enjoyment of some of the best films from the SAARC Region.  A reputed panel of international judges will select the best films and recognise the individuals who are at the very core of this creativity as a form of encouragement and respect to continue producing quality, thought provoking and representational films for the Region.

The SAARC Film Festival 2019 will focus on films created in South Asia and first screened after 1st May 2017.  Directors and artistes of these films will be invited to participate in the workshop, which is conducted to encourage and improve future productions.

Please send in nominations and benefit from the exposure this magnificent event will bring to the industry, artistes, vision and creativity of the directors and movie makers of each valued SAARC Member State.  Most importantly, be present as we showcase a very special part of culture and art within our varying and wonderfully diverse Member States.

As such, the SAARC Cultural Centre looks forward to receiving the valued nominations of Member States at the earliest convenience and no later than the deadlines specified below.  We warmly invite the Member States to join us, as we resume our journey in 2019 to bring South Asian film to the forefront of the international film world.

2) FILM CATEGORIES FOR NOMINATIONS

There will be three film categories open for nominations at the SAARC Film Festival 2019:

1. Feature Films – Nominations for the Competitive Categories (Maximum of two nominations)
2. Short Films – Nominations for the Competitive Category (Maximum of two nominations)
3. Master Films – Non-Competitive Nomination (One Nomination)

3) SAARC FILM FESTIVAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (CATEGORY A & CATEGORY B)

1. All Member States are invited to nominate Two (2) Feature Films (Fiction), and Two (2) Short Films (Fiction) for submission to the SAARC Film Festival 2019 competitive categories.
2. The qualifying period of screening should be two years before May 2019- ie: any film released or screened after 01st May 2017 or films which haven’t been screened as yet.  This applies to both the Feature and Short Film categories.
3. A Short Film is defined as a ‘Short Fictional Film’, for any duration UNDER 30 minutes. Documentary Films will not be considered in this category.
4. As the aim of this SAARC Film Festival is to promote culture and embrace unity amidst the diversity of culture that is shared among the SAARC Member States, films nominated should aim to promote culture, foster friendship and cultural harmony between Member States and not showcase films that would in any way be prejudicial to another Member State.  Films that are prejudicial to another country, or that would highlight issues that would not be in keeping with the aim of promoting the Festival and fostering goodwill in the Region, will be disqualified.  The organisers reserve the right to view nominated films prior to the Festival, and disqualify any film that would go against the very objective of promoting peace and harmony through culture within the SAARC Region.
5. The Feature films and Short films nominated will be eligible for the Awards detailed below.
6. All nominated films must be in English or subtitled in English.  Any film submitted without English subtitles, will be disqualified.
7. EACH Film Nomination must be accompanied by a fully completed Registration form, which is attached to this Concept Note.
8. All nominated films from the Region will be judged by an international jury of film professionals, and their decision will be final.
9. All expenses pertaining to sending the film in the required format – as detailed below, will have to be borne by the nominating Member State.
10. For submission dates and deadlines, please refer Section 9 below.

4) MASTER FILMS

1. Under this category we would be honoured to screen films from each SAARC Member State, made by master film makers of the Member State.  As such, each Member State is encouraged to nominate ONE film, nationally accepted as being a master work by a master film maker of that respective Member State.  This would give a broader spectrum to the Film Festival and allow the SAARC Cultural Centre to showcase the depth and value of the ‘classic’ whilst celebrating and encouraging the ‘contemporary’.  In turn it will create an environment which celebrates the wider spectrum of film making, showcasing quality that has endured through the ages and its invaluable contribution to life and culture, through the passage of time.
2. For submission dates and deadlines, please refer Section 9 below.

5) DATES AND VENUE

Dates:  2nd – 7th July 2019, including the following:

• 2nd July 2019:   Inauguration Ceremony
• 5th July 2019:   Film Workshop
• 7th July 2019: SAARC Film Awards and Closing Ceremony

Venue:  The Cinema Hall, National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka

6) SAARC FILM AWARDS 2019

The following 12 Awards will be presented at the SAARC Film Awards 2019 on the 7th July 2019, selected by a panel of jury members from non-SAARC Member States.  The decision of the panel will be final.

1. Best Feature Film
2. Best Director
3. Best Actor
4. Best Actress
5. Best Short Film
6. Best Screenplay
7. Best Cinematographer
8. Best Editor
9. Best Sound Designer
10. Best Original Score (Music Composer)
11. Special Jury Award No 1
12. Special Jury Award No 2

7) PARTICIPATION OF FILM DIRECTORS AND OTHER FILM ARTISTES

1. The SAARC Cultural Centre invites nominations for the participation of Film Directors and other Artistes from the nominated films to be screened at the SAARC Film Festival 2019.  The Directors and other Artistes will participate in a workshop intended to promote interaction within the film community of the Region.  It will also serve as an educational and knowledge sharing opportunity for young film directors, film enthusiasts and film critiques.  They are also invited and encouraged to participate at the SAARC Film Awards Ceremony scheduled to take place on the 7th July 2019.
2. Each Member State can nominate a maximum of 4 persons, including Film Directors and Film Artistes, to attend the Festival.
3. As per SAARC Practice, airfare of the nominated Film Directors and all nominated Artistes must be borne by the nominating Member State.
4. The Nominated Persons (up to a Maximum of 4) will be provided hotel accommodation, local hospitality and transport as per usual SAARC practice by the SAARC Cultural Centre.
5. For submission dates and deadlines, please refer Section 9 below

8) OTHER TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. All films submitted for the Festival (Feature Films, Short Films and Master Films) should be submitted in DCP in 2K/4K (D Cinema) format or Blu – ray format and downloadable data format.

2. Downloadable data format specifications:

1. Audio, video and subtitles must be contained in a single file and the file size should not exceed 10 GB.
2. Please submit HD material in the MP4 format (H.264, AAC, Stereo).
3. Please encode your video data with a constant bitrate and either 24, 25 or 30 progressive frames per second.
4. The file name must not include any special characters or blank spaces. Please do not, for example, use any file names like “myfilm!@&%$§ *().mov”.
5. To ensure a high technical quality, the following settings for file compression are suggested:
   • Size / aspect ratio  –  1920 x 1080 px / 16:9 HD
   • Video codec / min. bit rate  –  H.264 high profile 5.000 – 10.000 Kbit/s
   • Audio codec / min. bit rate  –  AAC / 320 Kbit/s sampling rate 48

If the film is available in a different file format or on DVD, a conversion to H.264 is recommended.  File conversion is offered by the software “HandBrake”, which is free of charge and available for all popular computer operating systems.

3. Please ensure that the films submitted are not defective, are in the required format as stated above in Section 8, and are individually labelled, including the running time of each film.

4. As the aim of the Festival is to promote culture, new trends and ideas, there are no restrictions on themes and topics subject to section 3 (IV) above.

5. All films will be subject to approval from the Sri Lankan Public Performance Board prior to screening at SAARC Film Festival 2019

6. Member States must deliver 3 COPIES (Public Performance Board, records and screening) of the final format to the SAARC Cultural Centre as detailed above in Section 8 for the Festival screening, NO LATER THAN 8th April 2019.

7. For publicity purposes, please include a standard Press Kit with the required information, giving special consideration to the following:

1. 150-word synopsis of EACH film submitted for the Festival;
2. 3 High resolution (300 dpi) images from each film;
3. 1 Profile picture of the Director (300 dpi);
4. Biography of the Director;
5. Film trailers, clip reels, posters, post cards if available;
6. Film Reviews – to be sent in together with the names of the nominated films.

8. In addition to the Registration form, please email the information stated above in Section 8 (7) NO LATER THAN 8th APRIL 2019 to:

• programme@saarcculture.org
• documentation@saarcculture.org

9) DATES FOR SUBMISSION, DEADLINES & NOMINATION PROCESS

1. Titles of the nominated Films in all Categories (Short, Feature and Master) along with their relevant details (as stated above in section No. 8) should be sent through the relevant ministry of the nominating Member State, via their Foreign/External Affairs Ministries, to the SAARC Secretariat Kathmandu, to reach the SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo, no later than the 8th of April 2019.
2. Names of the Film Personnel (up to a maximum of 4 Film Directors and/or Artistes) nominated to represent each SAARC Member State, should be sent through the relevant ministry concerned of the nominating Member State, via their Foreign/External Affairs Ministries, to the SAARC Secretariat Kathmandu, to reach the SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo by the 8th of April 2019.
3. 3 copies each of the Nominated Films in the specified format please refer section 8 and the relevant publicity material and press kits, should be sent through the relevant Ministry of the nominating Member State, via their Foreign/External Affairs Ministries, directly to the SAARC Cultural Centre, Sri Lanka as detailed in the attached Registration Form, to reach the SAARC Cultural Centre, no later than the 8th April 2019.

10) SCREENING OF FILMS AFTER THE FESTIVAL

The SAARC Cultural Centre wishes to contact the Directors/Producers of the Feature Films and Short Films to obtain permission to screen their films at appropriate official SAARC Cultural Centre events.  Please tick the appropriate box in the application form (attached) if the Directors/Producers are willing to be contacted for permission to screen their films. Films will only be screened with the prior written permission of the Directors/Producers of the films.

The Eighth SAARC Film Festival 2018 – Awards Ceremony

The Eighth SAARC Film Festival was concluded with the Eighth SAARC Film Awards Ceremony held at the National Film Corporation Film Theatre in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 27th May 2018. The Hon. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs graced this occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Munir Ghiasy of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, Ms. Rajashree Behera of the Indian Cultural Centre representing the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, Mr. Mohamed Faris Thaha the Executive Coordinator and Head of the National Centre for the Arts in Maldives, Ms. Fathimath Rifau of the Embassy of Maldives in Sri Lanka and Mr. Intisar Ahmad Sulehry of the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka representing the SAARC Member States, Ms. Yasoja Gunasekara – Senior Director General of the SAARC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka, Mr. Sitendra Senaratne – Chairman of the National Film Corporation, Ms. Uma Rajamantri – Chairperson of the Selacine Television Institute, Mr. M.D. Mahindapala – renowned Cinematographer and Film Educator, Mr. Ashely Ratnavibhushana – renowned film critic and film society activist, Ms. Han Sunhee of South Korea (Jury Member), Mr. Amable Tikoy Aguiluz of Philippines (Jury Member) and Mr. Christophe Henri of France (Jury Member) and Mr. Dhanushka Gunathilake – Consultant to the SAARC Film Festival participated as Guests of Honour at this occasion.

Mr. Tauquir Ahmed Director of Halda (Bangladesh), Mr. Morshedul Islam Director of Akhi and Her Friends (Bangladesh), Mr. Akram Khan Director of Khacha (Bangladesh), Mr. Manouj Kadaamh Director of Kshitij (India), Ms. Fathimath Nahula Director of 4426 (Maldives), Mr. Ali Shamin Director of Status (Maldives), Ms Mariyam Azza Actress of Hahdhu and 4426 (Maldives), Mr. Malaka Dewapriya Director of Bahuchithawadiya (Sri Lanka) and Mr. Prasanna Jayakody of 28 (Sri Lanka) represented the film cast and crew of the SAARC Member States.

During the Eighth SAARC Film Festival 26 Feature Films, Short Films and Master Films screened from the SAARC Member States from 22nd May 2018 to 27th May 2018.

The SAARC Film Award Winners are as follows:

Best Feature Film – Halda (Bangladesh)
(Tauquir Ahmed Director)

Citation
It addresses serious environmental issues of real day-to-day Bangladesh life, emphasizing the struggle of the people through cinematic language. It’s about sustainability of the life of the rural people.

Best Director – Prasanna Jayakody (Sri Lanka) for 28 (Twenty-Eight)

Citation
It’s basically a poignant storytelling about marginalized characters. The director captivates the audience through very clever cinematic storytelling, continuously surfing on the cutting edge of irony and humor.

Best Actor – Mahendra Perera (Sri Lanka) for 28 (Twenty-Eight)

Citation
For his depth, realism and sincere heart-felt portrayal of his character who gradually releases his emotion and connection to the corpse.

Best Actress – Vaishnavi Tangde (India) for Kshitij (The Horizon)
(Child Leading Actress from Kshitij who played Vacchi)

Citation
For her honest, innocent and realistic portrayal of a little girl who wants to rise above her situation.

Best Short Film – GI (India)
(Director Kunjila Mascillamani)

Citation
By the presentation of cinematic language, the director is able to tell her story about the girl’s sacrifice for her grandfather.

Best Screenplay – Prashant Pandey & Shreya Dev Verma (India) for Poorna

Citation
It’s a ‘triumph of the spirit’ story with compelling and accurate narration of true events that project the hardships of climbing Mt. Everest.

Best Cinematographer – Enamul Haque Sohel (Bangladesh) for Halda

Citation
For the light and shadow interplay of the lives and drama of the people in the river Halda.

Best Editing – Amit Debnath (Bangladesh) for Halda

Citation
For its fluid and balanced flow of the story.

Best Sound Design – Sasika Ruwan Marasinghe (Sri Lanka) for Bahuchithawadiya (The Undecided)

Citation
It accurately reproduced the sounds of the environment and locations of present day Sri Lanka.

Best Original Score – Tauquir Ahmed, Pinto Ghosh, Sanzida Mahmood Nandita (Bangladesh) for Halda

Citation
For its beautiful conversion of traditional Bangladesh music into contemporary flavor.

Special Jury Award – Malaka Devapriya (Sri Lanka) for Bahuchithawadiya (The Undecided)

Citation
It is a daring movie that pushes the cultural boundaries of the traditional Sri Lankan values, in a humorous and accurate way.

Special Jury Award – Manouj Kadaamh (India) for Kshitij (The Horizon)

Citation
For its sincere and relevant portrayal of the need for education of the youths in India, especially young girls.

Film Schedule – SAARC Film Festival 2018

* Non-competitive entries

Some of the films screened may contain adult content, parental guidance advised

Entrance Free

SAARC Film Festival 22nd – 27th May 2018

“Our one goal is to give the world a taste of peace, friendship and understanding through the visual arts, the art of the celebration of life” – Steven Spielberg

Background

Now in its 8th year, the SAARC Film Festival continues to be one of the most successful Programmes in the SAARC Cultural Centre calendar of activities.  Since the Inaugural SAARC Film Festival in 2011, the SAARC Member State of Sri Lanka has been host to this diverse celebration of life and the development and display of visual arts through the medium of film.

With every passing year, the SAARC Film Festival has built a reputation as being a very important platform and focal point for the congregation, celebration and enjoyment of some of the best films from the SAARC Region.  It has become an event inspiring much interest, respect and regard for the promotion and sharing of the common cultural heritage, norms and traditions of the South Asian Region, through film. Over time it has also gained a reputation for promoting and featuring some of the best films from the SAARC Region.  The SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC), in keeping with its mandate of promoting culture in the Region through varying types of art, will once again showcase films from South Asia as an expression of its culture at the 8th SAARC Film Festival 2018.  A special feature which distinguishes this Festival from others is that the SAARC Member States nominate creations and artistry which display and showcase the cinematic imagination of the SAARC Region, using the medium of Film.  A reputed panel of international judges select the best films and recognise the individuals who are at the very core of this creativity as a form of encouragement and respect to continue producing quality, thought provoking and representational films for the Region.

The SAARC Cultural Centre will continue this tradition of bringing wider recognition for South Asian films and in 2018, the SAARC Film Festival will take place in Sri Lanka.  It is an event unique to the Region and one that has caused interest and excitement amongst the people of South Asia since 2011.  The Centre is committed to developing the concept of “unity within diversity” and innovating through this very dynamic form of cultural exploration and to build it into a truly magnificent and international festival experience.  In 2018, the Festival will include a workshop with international experts from the world of film, with additional peripheral events that would enhance the experience of South Asian Cinema even further.  The message of tolerance and the power of film will be easily accessible with free entrance to all the events throughout the Festival.  Every Member State is given the opportunity to screen and showcase several of their best creations and form a vibrant collage and tapestry of meaningful films from the Region.

The SAARC Film Festival 2018 will focus on films first screened after May 2016, from all Member States, inviting the directors and artists of these films to partake in workshops conducted to encourage and improve future productions.

At the SAARC Film Festival 2018, we explore the world of Film and Cinema indigenous to the SAARC Region, along with the ever-growing enthusiasm and dedication we are privileged to receive from the host country of Sri Lanka.

Film Categories for Nominations

There will be three film categories open for nominations at the SAARC Film Festival 2018:
A.    Feature Films – Competitive Nominations
B.    Short Films – Competitive Nominations
C.    Master Films – Non-Competitive Nominations

Dates and Venue
22nd – 27th May 2018, including the following:
22nd May 2018 – Opening Ceremony
24th May 2018 – Film Workshop
27th May 2018 – SAARC Film Awards Ceremony 2018

Film Schedule 2018

Venue: The Cinema Hall, The National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka

SAARC Film Awards 2018

The following Awards will be presented at the end of the SAARC Film Festival, following selection by a panel of jury members from non-SAARC Member States, at the SAARC Film Awards 2018, which will take place on the 27th of May 2018. The decision of the panel will be final.

• Best Feature Film
• Best Short Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Cinematographer
• Best Editor
• Best Sound Designer
• Best Original Score
• Two Special Jury Awards

Registration Form for the Submission of Films

Please contact SAARC Cultural Centre if you require further information.

The SAARC Film Festival 2017

The SAARC Film Festival was successfully concluded with the SAARC Film Awards at the National Film Corporation Cinema Hall on 25th November 2017.  Mrs. Rosy Senananayake, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, former High Commissioner to Malaysia, former Parliamentarian and State Minister of Child Development and Media figure graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.  Film Artists of Sri Lanka from all walk of the Film Industry came to support the fellow artists of the SAARC Region and it was a gathering of luminaries and film enthusiasts.
A Panel of impartial Jury Members – Dr. Anne Demy-Geroe of Australia, Dr. Antonio Costa Valente of Portugal and Mr. Amir Masoud Soheili of Iran made the selections.  The SAARC Film Awards 2017 are as follows:

SPECIAL JURY AWARD
“For a highly accessible representation of the important themes not only of colour but of women’s perceptions of body image”
PINKY BEAUTY PARLOUR – INDIA

SPECIAL JURY AWARD – SPECIAL MENTION
“For a brave debut feature about a controversial subject in a conservative society”
FRANGIPANI – SRI LANKA

BEST SOUND DESIGNER
“For the skilful interplay between the sound and the vision in a film full of many characters and crowded locations”
RAKSHIT THANTRI (PINKY BEAUTY PARLOUR) – INDIA

BEST EDITOR
“For its role in supporting the director with smooth storytelling and focusing on the main characters in a film shot in limited locations and over a short period of time”
BHUPENDRA ADHIKARI (DYING CANDLE) – NEPAL

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
“For very effectively creating ambiance, using only existing light”
AHMAD ZIA ARASH (THE BIRD WAS NOT A BIRD) – AFGHANISTAN

SPECIAL JURY AWARD SPECIAL MENTION
“For the effective use of a range of cinematographic styles appropriate to the changes in mood”
SWAPNIL SONAWANE (TANDAAV) – INDIA

BEST SCREENPLAY
“For creating a very humanistic and coherent story combining a strong range of characters and complex interplay of moods”
TAUQUIR AHAMED (OGGATONAMA) – BANGLADESH

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
“For its restrained use of traditional music to underscore the narrative”
JASON KUNWAR (BLACK HEN) – NEPAL

BEST ACTOR
“For the delicate ensemble performances of the 3 actors to convey an in-depth portrait of a marginalised group”
DASUNA PATHIALANA, JEHAN APPUHAMI & BHOOMI HARENDRAN (FRANGIPANI) – SRI LANKA

BEST ACTRESS
“For a highly credible performance that maintained the character’s deception until the final reveal for both the other characters and the audience”
AISHATH RISHMY (VISHKA) – MALDIVES

BEST SHORT FILM
“For a subtle portrayal of poverty that used metaphor to discuss the issue of education in Afghanistan”
THE WATER – AFGHANISTAN

BEST DIRECTOR
“For the creative bridging of script and film in handling a broad range character types”
ASOKA HANDAGAMA (LET HER CRY) – SRI LANKA

BEST FILM OPEN
“For its delicate depiction of political and social issues of a particular historical era through the eyes of a young untouchable boy”
BLACK HEN – NEPAL

BEST FEATURE FILM
“For its originality and the overall excellent execution of a complex narrative”
LET HER CRY – SRI LANKA