‘It’s an award for my country’
View(s):Young and talented actor Jagath Chamila was awarded the Best Actor at the New York City International Film festival in New York for his excellent role in the film ‘Sameege Kathawa’ (Sam’s Story). “This is not an award won by me but my country,” speaking about his victory Jagath said. “Some of my competitors were internationally renowned actors and I was determined that I have done my best in my role,” he said.
Based on the critically acclaimed book of the same name written by Capt. Elmo Jayawardena that won the Gratiaen Prizein 2001, ‘Samige Kathawa’ is directed by Priyankara Vithanachchi. The film follows the story of a poor and uneducated boy from Sri Lankan village. Hailing from a family with financial constraints, Siriratne is the eldest son and he is mentally retarded. Growing up with lack of parental affection, Siriratne and his brother, Jaya give up their education.
Jagath won the award defeating four other actors from US, Denmark, Cuba and Canada who were also nominated for the award. The New York City International Film festival was held from June 13 to June 20.
Started from the school theatre at Prince of Wales Moratuwa, Jagath made his first appearance in cinema in Wijaya Dharmashri’s ‘Gurugedara’ in 1989. A Sri Lankan-Canadian production the film had its premier at the SAFF Vancouver in 2012.
Others in the cast included Sanath Gunathilaka, Menik Kurukulasuriya, Nilmini Buwaneka, Victor Ramanayake, Kusum Perera, Thesara Jayawardane, Anushka Vinodini, Vathika Ravinath, Malinda Viraj, Bennie Clariston, Wasantha Perera, Welegedara Ranasinghe, Vinnie Wettasinghe, Mangala Fernando and Nisansala Edirisinghe.
The film which was produced in 2006 is yet to be released in Sri Lanka.
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