Sudath’s ‘Red Comrade’ wins the Best Feature in Sydney
View(s):By Susitha R. Fernando
‘My Red Comrade’ directed by Sudath Mahaadivulwewa won the Golden Lotus Award for the Best Feature Film at recently concluded 7th South Asian Film, Arts and Literature (SAFAL) International Film Festival in Australia.
Celebrating South Asian film, arts and literature, highlighting powerful stories, bold voices, and cinematic brilliance, at the SAFAL film festival jury noted on Sudath’s film ‘Presented the Best South Asian film award, honouring cinematic purity, beauty and storytelling excellence rooted in the cultural spirit of South Asia’.
An experiment in cinema as the film was made with two characters who were placed within 20X20 feet one room for nearly 90 minutes, ‘My Red Comrade’ discusses about the loss of artistic human being in a social setting which is haunted by youth uprisings and years long civil war.
The two main roles are played by debutant, Asiri Allage, a professional creative Sinhala copywriter who is specialised in advertising has several other roles such as painter, sculpture and a stand-up comedian and Tharindi Fernando, an award winning teledrama actress who plays her female protagonist major role in cinema.
Hosted by Australian South Asia Forum Inc. (ASAF) as an annual event, SAFAL Fest highlights the richness, diversity, and contemporary voices of South Asian storytelling.
Representing countries including Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the diaspora , SAFAL has reinforced its mission of promoting cross-cultural -dialogue and inspiring new narratives.
Another Sri Lankan filmmaker Praharsha Induwara won Jury’s Encouragement Award-New Horizons Jury Award for his film ‘The Empty Robe’. This award was presented in recognition of a promising film that reflects emerging talent and potential in South Asian cinema.
Graced by Mr. Mark Hodges, Member of Parliament, for Castle Hill, Sydney as the Chief Guest, alongside filmmakers, industry professionals, and an enthusiastic audience, the festival has been established as a key platform for showcasing diverse cinematic voices, brought together short films and full-length features that highlight creativity, culture, and innovation.
‘The SAFAL International Film Festival is not just about cinema; it is about sharing the cultural dialogue, artistic excellence, and giving a platform to voices that need to be heard. I congratulate all the winners and the organisers for this remarkable achievement’ said Chief Guest Mr. Hodges congratulating the winners.
‘Hosted by the not-for-profit Australian South Asia Forum Inc. and its team of ,SAFAL festaims to promote and celebrate the rich and diverse, culture and languages of the South Asian region comprising the eight nations of the Indian sub-continent’ said Kedarnath Pagaddinnimath, Founder and President of ASAF Inc. and SAFAL Fest, and Ash Gholkar Creator, Curator and Guide, SAFAL Fest.
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