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Local artistes equally good
Isuru Silva of Galle writes.....
I wrote about 'Brown Boogie Nation' a year ago, praising them. Now we
have a great bunch of local artistes who made a good impression on local
air waves. Here are some brief comments on what I've heard recently on
Radio.
Snow - ALIEN ACCENT
A great track to start with great lyrics, soothing music with admiring
vocals. Got Sri Lankan touch in their music. That's the key to their success.Well
done.
Legacy - LEGACY
I requested this song on YESFM, and I'm really proud of them. Starts
off with piano and goes on with a touch of classic. Once again vocals are
the impact of this song message is really poetic. Has a great future ahead
of them.
What colour is love - PURPLE RAIN
The day I requested this song I got stunned with disbelief. Without
doubt the greatest song I ever heard. They talk about humanity through
blacks and whites. The universal message is great. A very poetic approach
highlight of this song is vocals. With guitars it makes a unforgettable
melody of Sri Lankan talent.
Colombo, brown and proud, lions and tigers - BROWN BOOGIE NATION
They are very much Sri Lankan. That's the talking point. They sing about
us great funky hip hop beats get the audience going on 'Lions and tigers'
talks about the ethnic war and 'brown and proud' talks about Asian rappers
'Colombo' is so far the greatest. If they pay more attention to selection
of beats they'll be a international force to reckon with. The innovative
style really puts them on top. Not forgetting 'Free stylee' by RUDE BOY
REPUBLIC another hip hop bunch with enormous talent. 'Free stylee' is great,
except the last rap act. All they need is more exposure.
Here in my heart, You - DEJA VU
Very much like LEGACY, a nice flowing song. A treat to everyone with
a good taste. I saw their video 'you' on YATV. So far so good, signs of
improvement can be seen.
Those are only a few of bands out there. There are rock bands such as
WRECK, RATTLE SNAKE, FATAL KNIGHTS, VISHVA etc. I heard some more tracks
called 'dizzy spell' and 'foreign affair' which are mind boggling great
stuff. We want to hear them more often soo ............ Here we go .....
innovative ideas creeping on the horizon of a new music generation in Sri
Lanka.
A big thanks to YES FM for giving airplay to have grown talent. Play
them more often. They deserve that. Keep up the good work. TNL why not
make some videos instead of playing boring Indian songs on "music
television"! These guys will even break through world chart. Who knows.
Thank you very much for your fabulous music.
"Strictly for Adults Only"
Clement Abeysekera of Galle writes......
It is common knowledge that, "Adults Only" films are more
frequently shown at our local cinema halls and such films had also crept
into some channels in the local T.V. as well. From recent times one could
find not just "Adults Only", but films with "Strictly for
Adults Only" tag very boldly shown at our leading cinema halls. Just
a glance through the local newspapers will prove this, that not less than
90% of the films shown are of this nature. Large bill boards are seen in
cinema halls depicting pictures of half naked men and women.
Most of the makers of such films boast that they are portraying an "art"
more lively and meaningfully by showing men and women in indecent exposures.
However the famous writer Leo Tolstoy has said, an "art" should
bring pleasant feelings on the viewer so that it will contribute to the
enhancement of one's civilized life. Even "Pluto" had the same
impression on "Art".
To lift up the downfall of the film industry (specially Sinhala) and
to earn a fast buck are other views held by the Producers and Directors
of such films through this lustful Art. What these producers and cinema
owners exhibit are sex activities that are not publicly performed in civilized
society and today the natural pleasure had been drawn and extended into
a lustful experience in a well planned manner. It is no secret that individuals
are drawn into a sexually ruthless situation when watching naked and intimate
scenes among humans in the wide screen.
Our society that is already plagued with sex crimes, exhibiting such
films are like adding straw to the fire. Parents wonder where to take their
children to watch a film at our cinema halls as they could hardly find
a film advertised without the "Adult's Only" tag.
In the past Sinhala cinema benefitted the society in numerous ways,
but presently it is causing a social crime. Even the Women's organisations
are not bothered on this issue. One of the principle aims of these organisation
is to be watchful in upholding the dignity of our women and that they are
not used as weapons to morally destroy the society. Even many elders are
silent on children who go astray after viewing such films. The government
seems to be helpless, but patiently watch the degradation of our culture
and moral standards.
Soma Thera's discourses inspiring
Dharma Premawardhana of Kandy writes.....
August 26 was a sad day for many Buddhists in Sri Lanka when they were
prevented from listening to the lucid discourses of Ven. Soma Thera. We
are thankful to the T.N.L. for starting the 'Nena Pahana' programme. Thousands
of Buddhists - appeal to the authorities of Swarnavahini or Sirasa to start
a Poya-Day programme with Ven. Soma Thera participating.
It would also be useful if the time schedules of Helidarauwa, Jana Handa
and Nena Pahana do not clash. These programmes are awaited eagerly by thousands
of viewers. Hence when they clash its disappointing.
Grand finale for TVT Talent Contest
By Sanath Weerasuriya
"TV Time Talent Contest Search 2000" has reached its final
stage.For the last six months , the Contest has moved through many stages
The response to the coupon we carried in May was immense and the entries
have reached the 200  mark
in just three weeks. This shows that there are so many untapped talent
in our country waiting for a chance to come out.
The preliminary section have trimmed down the contestants to a selected
lot of about sixty participants
From the two semi- finals , the contestants were brought down to 38
in four different sections .
The finals will also be held at the Harbour Bar by the lagoon of the
'host hotel' Airport Garden on October 9 at 6.30 pm.
The 38 contestants will battle for their place under 'Senior Vocals',
'Junior Vocals', 'Instrumentalists' and 'Group Vocals'.
Seniors have seventeen contestants , Juniors have eight , Gruop vocals
got seven and six Instrumentalists. Dream Team will start the show with
a set and all the contestants will sing for the music of Dream Team. Together
with Dream Team, the band World's 's End will also perform at this final
showdown
"TV Times Talent Contest -Search2000" is organised by Sohan
Dissanayake Entertainment Unit
The trophies for the Best Male Vocals , Best Female Vocals and for the
Group Vocals will be presented by Clasp Print & Graphics Limited, the
official printers of the Contest . The trophy for the Best Duet will be
presented by Views Advertising Pvt. Limited.
Sohan Dissanayake Entertainment Unit will present the trophy for the
Best Instrumentalist and The Airport Garden Hotel trophy will be given
away to the best singer in the junior Vocals section.
The main TV Times Trophy will be presented to the overall winner of
the "Search 2000" , TV times talent Contest.
The Chief Guest for the Finals at the Airport Gaden Hotel on October
9 will be Dharmasiri Senanayake , the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Here are the finalists of the TV Times Talent Contest . Senior Vocals
-
Vocals - senior
Chadwic Candappa, Devashiri de Silva, Dilan David, Reezah Careem, Anna
Thiruchelvam, Palitha  Liyanage,
Sanduni Padikorala, Dineith Nanayakkara, Ruth Amirthiah, Rukhitha Nanayakkara,
Ranil Kumar Amirthaiah, Sachintha Adhikaram, Priyanga Fernando, Gayani
Danushka Wettasinge, Inshiran Deen, Louis Diaz, Sean Fernando.
Vocal - Junior
Ruchira Sankajaya Pathirana, Tharini Gunawardana, R. Marcus, Achini
Layomi Sabanavaratna, Thushara Liyanage, Swinly Perera, Krishan Devasagayam,
Rajive Ponweera.
Vocals Groups/Ourts
1 Dinith Nanayakkara, Praveen Karunasena, Shane Ahamat, Shane Fernando,
Shaun David, Saliya Weerakoon, Priyanga Fernando
2 Dilan David, Surath Shanaka, Chanaka Samarasinghe
3 Anton Randika, Trevis Kurukulaseriya, Surath Naderka, Rajitha Edirisinghe,
Sasika Perera, Dolan Kodikara
4 Anjelo Sampath, Naveen Wickramasinghe
5 Ranil Amirthiah & Ruth Amirthian
6 Sam Korale, Kishani Waidyasekera
7 Munaz Mohideen, Gayan Caldera, Rasior Ponweera.
Instrumrnials
Lakhitha Rajakaruna, Ashendra Liyanage, Swinly Perera, Shaista Ibrahim,
Eroshini Silva, Nilma Dole.
'On Stage' for newcomers
TNL Radio has got more great news for talented bands and artistes. The
closing stage for 'Onstage' has been extended until October 7, 1999. This
is due to a number of bands calling in and asking for more time to get
their demo tapes across. And if you haven't heard of Onstage - well it
is a competition for amateur bands and artistes. All you have to do is
send in a demo tape and your details. The five best entries get to perform
on Friday nights on a one band/artiste per night basis at - The Rock Cafe.
Next month all five bands' artistes will go up against each other. The
winner of the grand finale will get Rs. 100,000 worth of sound equipment
from the main sponsors Swedish Trading Audio-Visual Pvt. Ltd.
The judges at the final will consist of popular figures in the entertainment
scene. The artistes will be judged on everything from their rapport with
the audience to the quality of their performance.
Sounds interesting doesn't it? If you want to take part, then send in
your tape and information to TNL Radio No. 52, Fifth Lane, Colombo 3. And
if you have any queries, feel free to call Sudath on 575000.
The official newspapers are The TV Times and The Midweek Mirror and
the official TV station is Dynavision.
Metta's 'Ruwani' launching soon
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Sixteen songs penned by popular photographer 'Mettasena' are now in
the process of voicing at a Studio by fifteen top artistes to be out as
a compact disc.
This sixteen song CD and audio cassette is named as 'Ruwani' will comprise
mainly love songs and according to Mettasena mostly on the 'true to life'
incidents.
"Ruwani audio will be available in the market as soon as the studio
work is completed. Most probably in another months time it will be out.
But the launching of the CD will be fixed for February next year as I am
dedicating this to a special person. February 16 is the birthday of this
special person." he explained.
The fifteen artistes, who sing sixteen tracks on this special CD Audio
are Victor Ratnayake, Narada Dissasekera, Latha Walpola, Malani Bulathsinghala,
Neela Wickremasinghe, Edward Jayakody, Rohana Bogoda, Jagath Wickremasinghe,
Nirosha Virajini, Nalin Perera, Bandula Wijeweera, Senanayake Weraliyadda,
Uresha Ravihari, Iman Perera and Photographer Dayan Vithanage.
The music direction for all songs were done by Navaratne Gamage, Victor,
Narada, Jagath, Nalin and Thisara Tharupathi Munasinghe.
"Most of the songs are based on true to life stories. Some are
personal and some are common stories. 'Ureskha', the girl who died in the
culture club boat tragedy is one of the songs I penned as a special case,"
said Mettasena.
Ruwani is his maiden effort into the music field from the area of photography.
'Ruwani' is also produced by Mettasena.
A music museum
A vast collection of film song records, rock music, Latin jazz, blues,
country, rock & roll, from the fifties onwards are being made ready
for exhibition and sale by the Lib-Archive.
These are available both in audio and audio visual formats to music
enthusiasts and music lovers
Creations of Beethoven, songs of Engelbert, Jim Reeves, King of Rock
Elvis Presley, John Denver, Olivia Newton and many more top names.
This collection is specially arranged in response to numerous requests
made by music lovers. The intention is compiling names of singers and musicians
who have contributed to the growth of various fields in music during this
century.
"We possess a library collection of well over 3000 title numbers
of songs with details of their singers, musicians and composers. ranging
from classical music to modern times. These are available in CD's, song
cassettes, discs etc. in Sinhala, English, Tamil and Hindi" Lib-Archive
sources said. Preparing to cater to the taste of customers specially to
satisfy the needs of the music crazy youth of the time, is their objective
Golden Oldies in Sinhala, Tamil and Hindi are in much popular demand.
All efforts will be taken by Lib-Archive to supply these songs to customers
Styled as a Music Museum for the next Millennium a new concept in providing
DJ's will also be introduced by Lib-Archive now operating under Uyana at
Bambalapitiya.
Meanwhile a report from Hollywood states that items of the estate of
Elvis Presley', were displayed for an auction recently. Out of the items
included were a white 1956 Lincon Continential, signed signed contracts
and a gold disc of his hit Heartbreak Hotel. The proceeds of the auction
will be for the building fund for Elvis Presley Palace, a transitional
housing development in Memphis that will provide transitional housing,
job training and child care to poor families.
First"Black-Tie"party in city
The first ever Chairman's Black-Tie Dinner organised by the Sri Lanka
International Group of the HCIMA was held at the Golden Ballroom of the
Lanka Oberoi recently.
It was the highlight of the Group's Public Relations activities for
the current year and was a resounding  success.
It was attended by connisseurs of good food and quality wines. The Group
hopes to make this unique dining and socializing experience, a regular
feature in their annual events programme.
Her Excellency Linda Duffield, British High Commissioner graced the
occasion by her presence as the Chief Guest. Dr. Nigel Hemmington, Reader
and Director of Research in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management
at Oxford Brookes University and a past President of the HCIMA, UK was
the Guest Speaker.
The 7 course dinner prepared by the Executive Chef Mr. Helmut Hubele
and his kitchen Brigade was an epicure's delight. The vintage wines from
Beaujolais and Bordeux proved equal to the occasion. Mohan De Silva and
his Banquet Staff are to be congratulated for the excellent hall and service
arrangements.
The fashion and cultural extravaganza forming part of the event was
of no lesser significance. The Ballet by Channa's Troupe, a brilliant exposition
of Indian and Arabic exotic dances was one of the highlights of the evening.
Anji Seneviratne's fashion show A Glimpse of Glamour - was both alluring
and exciting.
The music for the evening was provided by Dilip Gabadamudalige. The
charming compere Ajita Kadiragamar with her command of the language steered
the proceedings through most approvingly. The event was generoulsy supported
by Groups allied to the hotel industry.
The Garden of joy
By Sanath Weerasuriya
No one would believe, if I say there is a cool, homely yet elegant,
restaurnat situated just 25 yards away from busy, noisy and dusty Galle
Road.
 "The
Garden Restaurant", at No. 1A, Ebenezer Place, which is almost opposite
the popular William Grinding Mills, is patronised by mostly young business
executives and families.
The Garden Restaurant is a 'A' grade restaurant approved by the Tourist
Board and a family run business.
The proprietor Daljit Munasinghe is an experienced hotelier and a travel
expert.
The Garden Restaurant comprises two sections open air garden and A/C
bar.
According to Mr. Munasinghe, the restaurant is patronised mainly during
dinner time.
'We are opened for lunch time as well, but the real business starts
after dark. The restaurant can accommodate 50 covers confortably,' he said
The other attractions of this place are floodlit badmintion court, pool
table, card table and landscaped garden with fountain which gives a more
cool and relaxed atmosphere.
The menu of the restaurant comprises mainly Chinese, Sri Lankan and
Indian food.
But Saturday night is a quite different night from the rest of the week.
We have bar-be-que mixed grill with live music from Calypso band,' Mr.
Munasinghe said.
The mostly I felt at this place is the personalized service. For Diljit
and his charming wife, the customers are friends. They go to each table
for a little chat and they know almost everybody by their names. Diljit
even goes little further by having a little drink with his customer friends.
Even the staff is courteous and friendly and the food is priced reasonably.
Though the Garden Restaurant is just three years old, they have a very
large clientele not only from Dehiwela and Colombo and even from Moratuwa.
Garden Restaurant is available for private parties, and functions too.
We can accommdate up to 100 pax. We get lot of company get togethers, birthday
parties and family gatherings', Diljit said. Diljit Munasinghe is one of
the founder members of the popular Safari Kamp in Thanamalvilla now managed
by 'Serendib Leisure'.
Down memory lane
By Kumaradasa Wagista
On requests made by several film enthusiastic youth we publish a few
details of yesteryear films.
"Sama' (1965) is a feature film recorded to have been produced
on a co-operative basis by the Kalapela Cultural Society. It was a film
where prominent film artistes made their maiden appearances. Denawaka Hamine,
Leonie Weerasinghe, Elson Divithrugama and its writer director G.D.L.Perera.
Sama (Leonie Weerasinghe) spent most of her time at her uncle's house.
Nonahamy (Denawaka Hamanie) is her aunt. Her only ambition is to see her
only son Sirimal (Shelton Silva) being appointed as the Village Headman.
Meanwhile she has no objection for the growing affair between Sirimal and
Sama.
When Srimal is appointed the Village Headman, Nonahamy thinks the other
way. She feels that her son should marry a woman in keeping with the status
of Sirimal's new appointment. She sends back Sama while Sirimal is sandwiched
between his love for the mother and Sama.
A marriage has been now arranged and settled for Srimal by his mother.
Sama unable to face the conventions of the society commits suicide.
Cinematographer W.A.Ratnayake cranked the b & w camera while Amaradeva
directed the musical score.
Three years later the Kale Pela Cultural Society produced its second
film ' Dahasak Sithuvili'. (Thousand Thoughts)
A highlight in this film is the debut appearance of Nilanthi Wijesinghe
and Dhamma Wanniarachchi.
A departmental head (Henry Jayasena)in a government office gets attracted
to his own stenographer Nilanthie. (Nilanthie Wijesinghe). However he doesn't
declare his love towards Nilanthie. One day she invites Lalith to join
her in a tour she proposes to go with her aunt but Lalith refuses. Nilanthi
then invites a colleague of hers Sagara (Dhamma Wanniarachchi) who accepts
and goes on the journey.
Lalith is now subject to thousand and one thoughts .
This film was also written and directed by G. D. L. Perera. D.B.Nihalsinghe
was the cinematographer.Jayatissa Alahakoon made his debut as a film music
director in it. S.M.Nizar who edited the film won the best editor award
at the Sarasaviya Film Festival '69.
'Tung Mang Handiya (Three Way Junction) was written and directed by
Mahagama Sekara based on a novel written by him in the same name.
The hero of the film is a villager named Abilin (Joe Abeywickrema) He
is kind hearted and popular in the village. For the first time in the village
Abilin gets down a drama to entertain the villagers.
Abilin's favourite is his nephew Sirisena (Kumara Balasuriya and Karunaratna
Ranasinghe as the youth). Sirisena admires his uncle and villagers come
to Abilin to get favours done by him but they do not appreciate his kind
gustier.
Abilin felt for a young woman in the village (Swarna Mallawarachchi)
but couldn't win her heart. When she was given in marriage Abilin gradually
begins to drink and finally became an addict.
Abilin has a quarrel with his brother who is a miser over a jak tree.
A frustrated Abilin leaves the village to work in an estate but does not
forget Sirisena who is now growing up showing his talents as an artist.
As time goes on Sirisena leaves the village for Colombo to study.
Abilin dies a premature death because of his addiction.
'Thun Mang Handiya 'was produced by Chitra Balasuriya It was cinematographed
by Sumitta Amarasinghe. Amaradeva directed the musical score while Jayatissa
Dillimuni edited it.
Gemunu Wijesuriya, Dharmadasa Kuruppu, Denawaka Hamine, and Shanthi
Lekha were the others in the cast.
This film was Sri Lanka's official entry to the Tashkent Film Festival.
'Hathe Wasama' portrays a Policeman's life
'Hathe Wasama' revolves around an honest Police Officer, Dunuke Bandara
(Tony Ranasinghe). He lives with his young daughter Dunuke (Saranga Nathalie
) in a rented house. His wife had deserted her a long time ago. Pathiratna
(Nissanka Diddeniya) the VC Chairman of ' Hathe Wasama' is not only a crook
but even a womaniser. Sgt Banda is the only person who is opposed to his
misdeeds. However Pathiratna's son and Bandara's daughter who study in
the same school are faintly in love with each other.
Although Sgt. Bandara does not believe this love affair, Pathiratna
doesn't oppose it because Bandara belongs to a high class up country family.
As Sgt. Bandara is a frequent toddy drinker his best friend is the toddy
tapper Nagoris (Raja Sumanapala) who is married to a young hot tempered
woman Suneetha Wimalaweera.
Sgt. Dunuke Bandara goes to the extent of disagreeing with his superior
officer. This superior officer is another who is friendly with the Chairman.
The drama reaches a climax when the Sergeant's daughter elopes with the
Chairman's son against the wishes of her father, thus making him to live
all alone in the rented house.
' Hathe Wasama' is directed by journalist Rodney Vidanapathirana on
a story and teleplay written by Daya Rajapaksa based on the picture story
which appeared in Sunday Lankadipa of the same title.
"This teleserial was entirely filmed in several scenic areas in
Ingiriya by cameraman M.A.Gaffoor, "Rodney Vadanepathirana said.
A highlight in the cast is Amarasiri Kalansuriya playing the role of
a Police officer for the first time in film and teleserial acting career,
while Tissa Abeysekera does an honourable role as a Police Superintendent.
he added.
Nimal Gunasakera is its music director. "Hathe Wasama' is on National
Rupavahini on Tuesday's.
Award winners of film & media music
The International Prize for Film and Media Music award was won by Dr
Neville Karajlic in Emir Kusturica's Black Cat, White Cat ( Yugoslavia).
The festival was held in Bonn recently.
Among other awards is an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award presented
to India's sitar maestro Ravi Shanker..
Also the Erich-Wolfgang-Korngold Prize was won by Ennio Morricone.
Prizes were given away in the presence of film music directors like
Hans Zimmer, Lalo Schifrin and Volker Schlondorff.
Mani Kaul, Michael Nyman, Fernando Solanas and Sergi Ovtsharov comprised
the jury.
A book on Cinema and the Indian Freedom Struggle has been written by
Indian author on cinema and film critic Gautam Kaul. Valuable articles
on India's Freedom Movement, post and pre Independence cinema are incorporated
in it.
A filmography and a biography of Bengali filmmaker and writer Buddhadeb
Dasgupta has been compiled and published recently in India.
Toronto film festival
The prestigious Toronto Film Festival was concluded creating a record
in the number of entries to the event. It was opened on September 9 and
concluded after 10 days.
The increased demand to enter this event was recorded this year with
318 feature films from 52 countries entering the festival arena. Out of
these titles 119 films made their world premiere which is an all out .credit
The world premiere of Martha Fiennes' 'Onegin', a tale of doomed romance
and desire was held on the concluding day.
A highlight of the event is the participation of veterans as well as
new comers with their creations.
Screened at the Gala Section were Woody Allen's ' Sweet And Lowdown'.'The
Cider House Rules ' starring Michael Caine and Tobey Marguire. ' Music
of the Heart' starring Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn, Gloria Estefan and Angela
Bassett, award winning theatre director's Sam Mendes's satire of suburban
American life starring Kevin Spacey and Annette,' Anywhere But Here', the
comedy starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman directed by Wyane Wang,
and the first film from Academy Award winner Scott Hicks ' Snow Falling
On The Cedars'. starring Ethan Hawke, James Cromwell, Max Von Sydow and
Sam Shepard.
Cinema to be rehabilitated
By Kumaradasa Wagista
Once again our filmgoers enjoy the privilege of enjoying another clean
local movie with their families.
It is writer director Vasantha Obeysekere's 10th film 'Threetha Yathra'
(The Pilgrimage) which was released on Friday. "The film has come
out well. This theme was something that was reigning in my mind for several
years.
It is because I too suffered much as I lost my mother whilst I was a
child. I had no childhood days" Mr Obeysekere said.
'Threetha Yathra' discusses a story of a young woman going in search
of her biological parents. Although she succeeds in her mission she finally
comes to the concluson that there is no such thing as one can clain ownership.
It's the individual relation that matters than the biological connections.
Yasodha Wimaladharma plays this role.
"The applause given by media personnel after the press preview
of "Threetha Yathra" encouraged me and I consider it is an indication
that the film will do well, " a jubiliant Mr Obeysekere added.
Speaking on the present trends of the local film industry Mr Obeysekere
was pessimistic of the future of the local film industry. He doubted whether
independent producers would invest money in film productions in time to
come.. His first grouse is the lack of new young actors. There is a talent
dearth of creative script writers. With no proper institution to train
new talents the situation worsens.. Also because of the instability of
the industry newcomers do not take the risk of taking to film acting as
a profession. "How long can the old brigade strain themselves in the
future ? This is a profession that one cannot be there forever. The younger
crowd should be there to take over the responsibilities of taking the industry
further." he said.
Commenting on the new set-up in film distribution and production that
is to be implemented shortly he said " the Presidential Sub Committee
recommended to set up a semi -autonomous special distribution unit for
the distribution of both local and foreign films.
However, until such a unit is established the sub -committee was of
the view that the present system of film distribution, by the National
Film Corporation, should continue, subject to certain amendments.
Mr.Obeysekere who was also member of this committee said that among
others, two office bearers of the Film Exhibitors Association (FEA) too
served in this subcommittee who agreed on this recommendation.
Presently even a mediocre film released could at least recover the basic
costs as it goes through a flow down where the film is released in at least
160 centres.
Mr Obeysekere who was a director in the former NFC directorate agreed
that there were flaws in the NFC distribution system also. It has to be
streamlined to suit the trend. Inefficiency and duplication of staff exists.
It has to be completely restructured infusing efficiency.
However film producers suffered due to lack of up -to -date equipment
for film production at NFC Studio at Dalugama during the recent past. Mixing
in Mr Obeysekere's film too was delayed for a considerable period of time
as the sound head of the sound mixer was not functioning.
"We as members of the former NFC directorate we recommended many
proposals to improve conditions of NFC Studios at Dalugama but were not
implemented by the authorities concerned due to lack of funds' Mr Obeysekere
said.
'50 years of Germany'
By Sanath Weerasuriya
A two part tele-documentary titled '50 years of Germany' will be telecast
on 'German National Day' on October 3 (today) on Rupavahini at 10.30 p.m.
As the Federal Republic of Germany celebrates its golden anniversary
this year, German Embassy in Colombo made all the arrangements to produce
this telefilm to mark this historic occasion.
'Fifty Years of Germany' directed and produced by Charnika Munasinghe,
will be run in to two parts. The second part of the documentary will be
telecast on Monday, October 4 on Rupavahini at 9.45 p.m.
Charnika who successfully produced eight Tele-documentaries on Germany,
consistently within the last five years, has just returned from a tour
of Europe which included a visit to Germany where while reviewing a decade
of a unified Germany and its preparations for the millennium, also successfully
obtained exclusive footage for this latest TV project.
She said the main footage has been provided by the German Embassy. 'I
am pleased that I was able to successfully obtain some of the footage I
require from Deutsche Welle TV station in Cologne as well. They are all
of excellent quality and I am looking forward to making use of this material,'
she said.
Charnika who exclusively reported on the re-unification of the two Germanys
for the print media in 1990, has since monitored events of Germany, within
a time period of almost a decade and has covered much events and documented
many a report since for the media. She is now billed to produce for Sri
Lanka this two-part TV Programme, which will feature events of 50 years
of the country covering the post war era, the Re-Unification and Germany's
entry to the European Union current standing and Germany's vision for the
new millennium.
'At present just under 32 million television sets are officially registered
in Germany which has a population of nearly 81 million. On average, Germans
over 14 devote two and half-hours for television for a day as against reading
newspapers and periodicals for which they spend only 70 minutes of their
time per day.
A survey reveals that most turn to television and then read a newspaper
for great details. According to Charnika in the nationally transmitted
television programs, daily news update, political reporting, home and foreign
affairs documentation, television plays, films and entertainment play a
big part. For their foreign coverage, extensive correspondent networks
and their own studios in many countries all over the world.
Since 1997 there have been two specialized public television channels
as well: "Phoenix", which specializes in documentaries, and "Der
Kinderkana," (The Children's Channel).
Channel three television programs are transmitted regionally and also
via satellite by the corporations. They focus on regional affairs ranging
from politics to culture. Most also broadcast television for schools and
further education courses at various levels.'
'Deutsche Welle has for the past seven years transmitted 24-hour live
television series by Satellite in German, English and Spanish languages.
This is the only channel in Germany that has English programmes. Many broadcasters
across the world re-broadcast Deutsche Welle programs as part of their
schedules and surveys have shown that they are well received.
'Sri Lanka at present has not tied up with Deutsche Welle for re-broadcasting
of programmes. It is certainly a channel that has programmes that can be
of immense interest to our audiences', she said.
'Mini Dabiri':Music & dancing from 'differently
able persons'
"Mini Dadiri" ,an Evening of Music and Dance performed by
differently able persons, will come alive at the Bishop's College, Auditorium
on Saturday on October 16 at 6.30 p.m. Mini Dadiri is a presentation of
Lak Uruma Art Foundation and Rotaract Club of Colombo Metropolitan.
There is excitement; Magic; Because concerts are always special. And
they are more special when every participant young and old is handicapped,
or to use the correct expression - differently able persons. How "differently
able" is what you will see when a group of over 50 participants from
five school/homes blend into one cohesive unit to bring you this evening
of Music and Dance.
In Sri Lanka there are a significant number of children who are born
with many types of mental, social and physical disabilities. Their integration
into society is obstructed due to different factors.
The objective of our project is to provide an opportunity for the disabled
to identify their creative talents, and the non disabled to recognise the
abilities of the disabled and in the process to enrich the community spirit.
This project will also provided financial assistance to the participants
and will equip them into seeking more suitable avenues of employment in
the years to come.
This concert is directed and choreographed by Mohan Sudusinghe. He no
stranger to dance in Sri Lanka is one of the most gifted exponents of all
forms of Oriental and Western Dance.
Over the past six months Mohan has been working with these children.
Requiring utmost patience and love since they do not respond as quickly
as you and me he has been able to knit together a group of young ones who
are the very embodiment of joy.
Dancesport Chanpionships
By Sunil Jayasiri
It was a scintillating event. Not a chair was vacant at the Hilton Colombo's
Grand Ballroom. Every eye was riveted to the dance floor where couples
in various competitive categories swung to the music. Dancesport 99, the
Footwork ballroom dancing championship was as glittering and entertaining
as they come.
A high level of professionalism was maintained throughout the competition.
Among the international judges were Mark and Jayne Shutlar, the reigning
United Kingdom Professional Ten dance champions. Other judges were Steven
Han, Allan Tan and Alice Teo.
Mark and Jayne, apart from acting as adjudicators, also executed several
dances which left the audience breathless. The tango, the Viennese waltz
and the English waltz were among their performances. They also gave the
viewers the benefit of seeing a special three-dance combination which Mark
explained had been especially lucky for them in their competition career.
The audience participation in the event was also encouraging. The lively
Latin American segment naturally drew more cheers. The spectators called
out the names and numbers of their favourites and backed them with loud
applause.
The costumes were another attraction. Colourful and imaginative, the
dancers looked like dreams. Naturally, not all of them excelled in their
performances. Some were better than the rest and carried away the prizes.
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