16th to 18th December 2018
Kabul, Afghanistan
Background
Tangible Cultural Heritage (TCH) of South Asia is not limited to World Heritage Sites and the landscape is dotted with archaeological sites indicating the long and eventful history of the Region. In many of these TCH sites there are associated Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) which are neglected due to lack of resources. There are sites in the Region which are yet to be identified, conserved, restored and managed for posterity. However, the biggest challenge the SAARC Region is facing now is the lack of human resources. This workshop hopes to lay the foundation in building the human resources of the region to face the challenges of Heritage Management for present and future.
Workshop Training Modules
This is a tentative module and will change according to the Resources Persons nominated by each Member State.
Resource Persons for the Workshop
Each Member State is kindly requested to nominate a minimum of 1 Resource Person from mid to senior level professionals. The field of expertise can be one from the list below but not limited to the fields identified below.
Target Participants for the Workshop
The Nominees for the Workshop may be selected from amongst diverse disciplines among Academics and Policy Makers. Priority should be for early to mid-career level professionals involved in heritage management, policy makers and persons associated with the World Heritage Sites in the Region. Resource Persons should be selected from mid to senior level professionals.
Academics and Scholars should include but not limited to:
Details for Participation at the Workshop
The Host Country can nominate a maximum of 15 Official Nominees and they will be provided with the Workshop material and the Cultural Tour but no accommodation during the Workshop.
Category B – Participants from the Host Country where the Workshop is held can participate.
Site Reports/Country Reports
All participants must prepare a Site Report/Country Reports of an archaeological or cultural heritage site which you are familiar with. These Reports will be used as case studies during the Workshop. Please use Annexure 2 to submit the Site Reports. The Report must contain the following information.
Time Schedule for the Workshop & Site Report Submissions
Call for Participation: 27th March 2018
Deadline for accepting Nominees & Participants: 25th November 2018
Submission of Site Reports/Country Reports: 25th November 2018
Workshop: 16th to 17th December 2018
Cultural Tour: 18th December 2018
Handicrafts are a part of the culture of the SAARC Region, the tangible representation of the intangible aspects of culture. The artisans create their products using traditional material and techniques which reflect the history of each Member State through handicraft. Many of these handicrafts, associated knowledge and techniques, specially the intangible aspects are fast disappearing from the Region due to the introduction of other man-made material. To revive these traditional crafts and to give the crafts and the artisans a recognition and value, the SAARC Cultural Centre established the Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop. The SAARC Cultural Centre further hopes to promote Cultural Industries within Region through the SAARC Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop. The First Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop was held in 2016 in Sri Lanka followed by the Second Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop held in Bangladesh in 2017. The Third Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop will be held in conjunction with the Culture Capital in Thimphu, Bhutan giving the artisans from the Region more prominence and an opportunity to display their artistry and to work together and learn from each other during the workshop.
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.
| 22 May | 23 May | 24 May | 25 May | 26 May | 27 May |
|
5.30pm Inauguration 6.30pm Aganthukaya* |
10.00am
Serga Mathang 1.00 pm Parchi* 4.00 pm Gi 5.00 pm Khacha 7.20 pm Status 7.30 pm 4426 |
9.30 am
Bithufangi
10.15 am Hahdhu
1.00 pm Daag
1.15 pm Janan
4.00 pm 28
6.00 pm Kshitij
8.00 pm Fire of life
8.30 pm Chain Aye Na* |
9.00 – 11.00am
Masterclass “Role of a Producer and Co-production in South Asia” @ Sri Lanka Media Training Institute (SLMTI) 11.30 am Akhi & Her Friends*
2.00 pm Mata Nam Ahuna
3.00 pm Bisorjon*
5.30 pm Hum Chewai Zamling
8.30 pm Punjab Nahi Jaon Gi |
10.00 am
Kalo Meghar Vela
10.45 am Poorna
12.30 pm Chalay Thay Sath*
3.30 pm Halda
6.30 pm The Waterfall
7.00 pm Bahuchithawadiya |
6.00pm
SAARC Film Festival 2018
7.00 pm Screening of the Award |
* Non-competitive entries
Some of the films screened may contain adult content, parental guidance advised
Entrance Free
“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
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.
Registration Form for the Submission of Films
Please contact SAARC Cultural Centre if you require further information.
Background
The Research Grants will provide an opportunity for the Member States to explore new research areas and sites along the Hindu Cultural Trails. This will also act as a precursor to the Cultural Trails proposed for the future and lay the ground work in research to look at Cultural Trails as connected routes where ideas, information and knowledge travelled in all directions.
Objectives of the Research Grant
To encourage new research through the SAARC Research Grants (8 Research Grants, one for each Member State)
Research Grant Overview
The SAARC Cultural Centre invites Academics and Researchers from Member States to submit detailed Research Proposals (along with the detailed budget breakdown for US$ 1,000/=) for new and innovative short-term research projects on the Hindu Cultural Trails. One research proposal will be selected from each Member State to be awarded the short-term research grant of US$ 1,000/=. The selection of Research Proposals will be carried out by a Team of Experts selected by the SAARC Cultural Centre. The first instalment of the grant (US$ 500/=) will be made at the commencement of the Research Project. The final payment is subject to the review of the final presentation made to a Team of Experts via Video Conferencing and submission of the Final Research Paper. Any suggestions / recommendations made by the SCC Team of Experts at this stage should be included in the research process by the respective researchers.
At the completion of the Research Project each Researcher will be required to submit a Research Report of Academic Research quality to be published in the “South Asian Cultural Trails” publication series of the SAARC Cultural Centre in 2019. The Research Project is to be presented at a local or international forum within 1 year and to disseminate the knowledge gathered with the relevant stakeholders (Academic discussion, Tourism industry, sustainable development, etc.) and to send SCC the relevant documents with regard to the above dissemination of information.
Research Project Themes
Eligibility
Application Process
Time Schedule
Deadline for Accepting Research Proposals: 31st August 2018
Approval for the Research Project: 10th October 2018
Commencement of the Project: 20th October 2018
Final Report: 31st January 2019
Presentation of the Research to the Team of Experts: March 2019
Background
The 18th SAARC Summit held in November 2014 in Kathmandu approved the proposal “South Asian Cultural Trails” which commenced with the Research Seminar on Buddhist Cultural Trails in 2017. The SAARC Seminar, Research Grant and Publications on Hindu Cultural Trails will be the second Seminar in the series of “South Asian Cultural Trails”.
The SAARC Region is bound together through the shared cultural traits which have evolved through the centuries. Hinduism is the oldest surviving living religion in South Asia dating back to more than three millennium BCE.
Hinduism is one of the shared cultural characteristics in the region, with art and architecture portraying “unity within diversity” as seen in the evolving styles and the embracing of new characteristics through the ages. This diversity was a result of interactions that took place along the trading routes criss-crossing east and west Asia, South and Central Asia, along with the exchange of merchandise, knowledge, concepts, designs, religions, technology and other sundry of objects and ideas were also exchanged. Although the ancient trade routes have long been abandoned, the legacy of those who travelled these routes can be found in the disseminated knowledge, ideas, religions and the diffusion of culture which persists. These routes can be aptly named “Cultural Trails”.
The “Cultural Trails” display the material culture (Tangible Heritage) of our ancestors, their beliefs and ideologies, their life and culture. The Hindu Cultural Trails (HCT) will be the second in a series of research fora which aim at strengthening cultural ties in the region through a walk into the shared past of our ancestors, empowering us to work together as the custodians of a shared heritage. This will be an opportunity for the SAARC countries to revive a dialogue about inherited space through time. A dialogue which will address the issues of conserving and preserving the Cultural Trails on one hand and how we can utilize this space to understand of our past, to enhance our present and to be economically sustainable through tourism in the future.
Research on Hindu Cultural Trails for 2018 was approved by the Ninth Meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Cultural Centre held from 3rd to 4th October 2017 and at the Fifty Fourth Session of the Programming Committee held in Kathmandu from 12th to 13th December 2017. The Research Seminar on Hindu Cultural Trails is planned as a Regional Forum of discussion for Academics and Policy Makers to identify and develop the cultural, social, economic, religious, connections of the region.
Research Seminar Information
Policy Makers should include Professionals but not limited to:
Category B – Paper Presenters from the Host Country (India) where the Seminar is held can participate. (It is anticipated that Researchers, academics, etc., from the host city will present papers at the Seminar.)
Contact Information
Bindu Urugodawatte,
Deputy Director – Research,
SAARC Cultural Centre,
224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07,
Sri Lanka.
Email: dd-research@saarcculture.org or binduling@gmail.com
Tel/Whatsapp: 0094-77-105-3007
In 2018, the SAARC Cultural Centre celebrated SAARC International Women’s Day, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka, on Thursday the 8th of March 2018, at the District Secretariat in Kalutara. The International Women’s Day was celebrated in collaboration with the Department of Culture of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs and the District Secretariat of Kalutara.
The Chief Guest was Ms. Yasoja Gunasekara, Senior Director General of the SAARC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka and the former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bangladesh. Mr. Munir Ghiasy, the Charge d’Affairs from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Sri Lanka and Mr. Intisar Sulehri, the Press Attaché from the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka participated as Guests of Honour. The celebration commenced with traditional Drummers and Dancers leading the Chief Guest and other dignitaries to the Auditorium which was followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by all Honoured Guests and dignitaries, the Director and Professional Staff Members of the SAARC Cultural Centre. The Welcome Speech was made by Mr. U.D.C. Jayalal, District Secretary for Kalutara and the Director of SAARC Cultural Centre, Mr. Wasanthe Kotuwella addressed the enthusiastic audience with warm wishes for the celebration of Women’s Day and Women. The Chief Guest Ms. Yasoja Gunasekara, the Senior Director General of the SAARC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka encouraged the women to embrace their role as peacemakers and the corner stone of a society in her address. The Vote of Thanks at the end of the Programme was presented by the Deputy Director for Programmes, Ms. Kishani Jayasinghe – Wijayasekara and concluded an enjoyable, informative and inspirational Programme. The auditorium (650 seats) was filled to its capacity with women of all ages, careers and lifestyles from the area joining us to celebrate the SAARC International Women’s Day.
This year the International Women’s Day was celebrated through an aesthetic journey and appreciation of South Asian music. The music was interspersed with educational and inspiring information on the changing roles of rural women and acknowledgement of their contributions to the national economy, building confidence and self-esteem of the women in society, creating awareness of the psychological factor that affect and influence women, to appreciate and acknowledge the beauty of women as depicted in poetry, songs, art and culture, to appreciate women as the corner stone of any society.
The theme of the International Women’s Day 2018 was “A Mother’s Song: An aesthetic journey through South Asia in search of the Rhythms of Love” and the programme was conducted by Mrs. Anusha Gokula Fernando, the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka, with the accompaniment of live musicians illustrating her words. The Programme consisted of an aesthetic exploration and appreciation of rhythm, music, tone, language, song and many aspects of South Asian music, especially formulated for the womenfolk of the Kalutara District. The Programme further included identifying and understanding South Asian customs and the rhythms of daily life and circumstance, common to the Region. Most importantly it served to encourage and enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of culture through the music and song of the South Asian Region. The Programme was based on an International Programme titled “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives.”
The SAARC Cultural Centre is the custodian of the paintings created by the Artists from the SAARC Region during the SAARC Artists Camp held annually in different locations. The SCC will an exhibition showcasing these paintings to the public in Sri Lanka to understand the art and culture of the region through the eyes of artists.
The SAARC Cultural Centre will be highlighting women and their remarkable journey, showcasing their unique talents, immense potential and generous spirit.
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