'Ammawarune' ready to be released

By Susitha R. Fernando

Veteran filmmaker Dr. Lester James Peries' much-awaited cinematic creation "Ammawarune" (Elegy for a Mother) will be released on December 30 at Regal Colombo and other CEL circuit cinemas.

Ammawarune is an emotional tale which analyses a strong relationship between a mother and a son. The son is a monk and this makes the relationship complex and intriguing. Thus the film runs along a universal theme. Yet it is innovatice and inspiring and "Ammawarune" is sure to make a strong impact on Sri Lankan audience and filmmaking history.

A scene from the movie

"In addition to this emotional tale I'm also portraying the psychological effect of war on society," says the director. Lester has used non-linier editing system and he says "Starting with a silent film, I have been working with different developments introduced into the world of cinema,".

"Editing Ammawarune with Ravi (Ravindra Guruge) I was just thinking how easy and physically time conserving this tremendous development is to cinema,".

"Up to my last film 'Wekanda Walawwa' I was working with linier system and I now see that there is vast technological development in the field of cinema" says Dr. Peries.

Somaweera Senanayake is a veteran scriptwriter specialising in stories related to Buddhist philosophy has written the script for 'Ammawarune'.

Shooting on locations in Dambulla during the hottest season of the year-March and April was a tiresome job. Dr. Peries and his crew filming the temples necessary for the development of the film had to climb many a burning rock to achieve their objectives.
"I really appreciate the privilege of working with such a devoted and untiring crew who made every effort to help me making it a successful project," said Dr. Peries thanking his team.

The Elegy for a mother

"Ammawarunay" ("Elegy for a Mother") is a poignant study of a widowed mother Sumanawathi and her relationship with her three grown-up children.

Her elder son Kassapa is a young monk leading almost a cloistered, monastic life in an isolated temple. Though his relationship to his mother appears cold and formal, it masks a filial affection which is unrivalled by any.

Daughter Premalatha has alienated herself by marrying a man of her choice, a man who practices the occult much to the discomfort of the family.

Saliya, the youngest son, an unemployed youth joins the Army due to circumstances beyond his control.

Bewildered by the tragic events that follow, Sumanawathi's world begins to collapse Gradually and inevitably she retreats into a world of solitude and silence.