The question of where Dilon De Silva intends to be within the next ten years elicits a simple answer- Hollywood.
No doubt an ambitious dream, but considering the passion and determination of Sri Lanka’s youngest film director and producer, it is difficult to be sceptical. Shortly after his triumph at the Sri Lankan Short Film Festival- winning the awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Editor and Best Screenplay- this 25-year-old has not paused to revel in his success but focuses on formulating a plan which will help him to achieve his ultimate goal.
It seems that while Dilon is now absolutely focused and tactical in his approach to his career, growing up he did not appear to be so. “But then,” he grins, I “have never been what people have perceived me to be, and that has never bothered me.” Describing himself as a free soul; a three-quarters and slippers guy, Dilon is one of those people who at a very young age realize exactly how they want their life to turn out.
“At the age of three,” he recalls, “I was given the opportunity to watch Lester James Peiris at work when one of my ancestral homes was used for shooting a film. I was enthralled by the experience, and a few years after that I was given a small role in Madol Duwa.” Finding himself completely at ease in front of the camera was further confirmation of the fact that his interest lay in the film industry.
Dilon laughs as he recalls his school career. “I was a bully and a thug, always the instigator of trouble; but my grades were always good so my teachers were never too concerned with my antics! They would always tell me that my talents were in creative writing, and it was these things that I was passionate about- imagining, writing and creating.”
Starting his career at ETV as a Production Assistant for the ETV Kids Show, Dilon moved on two years later to become( at the age of 19) the youngest ever film director in Sri Lanka to direct a TV Commercial. Apart from directing films, he directs commercials for XTEN- Sri Lanka’s largest production facility. Over the last year he has directed over 40 commercials.
“I take on assignments because I believe that the end product will be good,” declares Dilon confidently. “I will do anything to ensure that I get my artwork to be exactly the way I visualized it, and I feel that one thing that differentiates me from other directors is the fact that I occasionally place myself in front of the camera and demonstrate to my actors, how I want the job done.”
For Dilon, the art of directing is a personal experience. “This is especially true of films,” he says, explaining that he is able to express himself better, incorporating his own philosophies, visions and perspectives into his work.
Dilon’s recent short film Revolving Door is an indication of this fact. He attributes the content of the film to an experience he had while living in Singapore. “I have this habit of rewinding my day every night,” he explains, and through this practice of observing my routine I realized that there are so many people out there who we barely notice. In this instance it was the lift operator. Although I would see him everyday, I did not know a thing about him. This both disturbed and intrigued me, and I used it as a base for my Diploma film at the LaSalle College of Arts. In this film I spoke about a forgotten character in society and how people always leave in life-taking the metaphor of “revolving door” using it in the context of a lift door, showing how the furniture and the main character have been bonded.”
The film was rated as the best of Lassalle in 2008, and as mentioned previously won the awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Editor and Best Screenplay at the Sri Lankan Short Film Festival.
In light of his success, Dilon still recalls the challenges he has had to face, and the mistakes he has made. “Many of my mistakes are made consciously,” he smiles. "I feel that I can always learn something from them and I have no regrets.”
Planning on expanding his work into South East Asia this year, Dilon continues to strive toward further improvement and his ultimate goal of working in Hollywood. With his passion and self confidence, he has every chance of success. |
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