SAARC Film Day “Bulbul & Prasad”

 

Introduction  

SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC) as the custodian of the movies submitted to the SAARC Film Festival initiated this to provide a glimpse of SAARC countries through the medium of movies and promote South Asian visual arts in Sri Lanka. During the third quarter of 2024, it was decided to screen the movie “Bulbul” directed by Mr. Binod Paudel & movie “Prasad” directed by Mr. Dinesh Raut of Nepal. These movies were screened at Jaffna Cultural Centre Auditorium in Sri Lanka. A large number of local communities, University Professors and Students of Jaffna University and other school and collages, Staffs of Jaffna Cultural Centre, Department of Archaeology and representatives of cultural organizations were participated at this event.

Inauguration

The Film Day was inaugurated with Mrs. P.S.M. Charles, the Governor of Northern Province, Jaffna as the Chief Guest at this event. Ms. Renuka Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre made the welcome address following with key note address by the Hon’ble Chief Guest on the importance of protecting and promoting the visual art of South Asia. She was presented with a token of appreciation by the Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre. The eminent guest was received as follows;

Mr. L. Ilaangovan, Chief Secretary, Northern Province, Jaffna, Deputy Chief Secretary, Jaffna, Mr. M. Piiratheepan, District Secretary, Northern Province, Jaffna, Mr. Sagar Bhandari, Second Secretary, Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka, Mr. Ram Mahesh, Head of Chancery, Representative of Consulate General of India in Jaffna, were joined the ceremonial inauguration of the event.

Ms. Bina Gandhi Deori, Deputy Director (Research) of the SAARC Cultural Centre introduced the movie “Prasad” to the audience. The film delves into the theme of how powerful people in society try to intimidate and control ordinary individuals. It highlights the social, cultural, and personal struggles in Nepal, proudly representing the country at the SAARC Film Day. Ms. Apsara Karunaratne, Culture Specialist (Research) of the SCC introduced the movie “Bulbul”. It tells the story of a woman struggling to support her family by driving a tempo through the streets of Kathmandu. The film powerfully portrays the challenges and difficulties faced by women in society, delivering a strong message of women’s empowerment.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Sikder Md. Zulkernine, Deputy Director Programme of the SAARC Cultural Centre. The master of the event is carried out by Mr. Sonam Tenzin, Culture Specialist, SCC in English and Ms. Gaitri, one of the vocational students from Jaffna in Tamil to convenience the local participants the importance of the programme.

Outputs

The film was appreciated by the audience and the following are based on the opinions of the participants;

  • The similarities and differences of the culture of film.
  • Appreciated the technology and methodologies of the film industry of the region.
  • SAARC Films to acquire the status of media hub promoting the visual arts of the Region.
  • Supports to make SAARC an insightful cinematographic landscape of diverse heritage.