‘Repeated inspiration’ – Deepa Mehta’s new film to be shot in Sri Lanka
For Deepa Mehta, Sri Lanka has been a creative sanctuary – one where she could easily recreate rural India by the sacred Ganges in Water, or the setting for Funny Boy – a land on the cusp of conflict where a young gay boy discovers his sexuality.
The acclaimed director spoke of how the country appeals to one at “completely different times, in completely different regions.” “It should be the next setting for the White Lotus,” she enthused, adding that Sri Lanka’s “great gift” is that it can be “so diverse yet so particular”. Her three films here were Water, Midnight’s Children and Funny Boy, a “love affair” that began accidentally when Water could not be set in India due to its controversial content.
Deepa Mehta in Colombo. Pix by Akila Jayewardena
Her newest film will also be shot in our shores, she revealed. Titled ‘Sher’, it has Sherlock Holmes with an Indian connection and an unknown son.
Back to celebrate Sri Lanka as a global film making destination and a hub of cultural tourism, Deepa was here this week as part of the Signature Weekend at Cinnamon Bentota Beach and Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo, from May 30 to June 1.
Speaking of Sri Lanka as a place of “repeated inspiration”, a setting that offers not only visual splendour but also emotional and spiritual grounding, she said that she returns by choice. The warmth and support given by Sri Lankans, from production designer Errol Kelly to the general public who are helpful down to the boatman at Bolgoda who would steer clear or row in as was requested of him very politely, have clearly been part of the appeal.
Addressing the press conference on Thursday, Deepa’s husband and collaborator David Hamilton spoke about our country’s rich variety of landscapes, the skill and professionalism of local film crews and the sense of ease that comes with working here.
At Thursday’s press conference: Deepa Mehta (far left) with partners of the Cinnamon Signature Weekend.
Chairman of the National Film Corporation Sudath Mahadivulwewa, emphasized that this partnership will elevate Sri Lanka’s profile in international film circles while building confidence in the country’s talent and production capacity.
Johan Aschan, Area Vice President and General Manager of Cinnamon Bentota Beach spoke on the strong synergy between film tourism and the Cinnamon Signature Selection Brand. Highlighting Cinnamon Bentota Beach as a naturally cinematic setting he spoke about how it was the backdrop for the iconic Sinhala song Ma Prarthana Ashawo, from the 1974 Sinhala film Lasanda.
Also addressing the media, Assistant Director, Public Relations of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chaminda Munasinghe highlighted the importance of film as a storytelling medium capable of shaping audiences to Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wealth.
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