‘Riverstone’ Strikes Gold at France’s Vesoul Film Festival
View(s):Sri Lankan cinema earned yet another moment of global recognition as director Lalith Rathnayake’s film ‘Riverstone’ clinched the Top Prize at the 32nd Vesoul International Festival of Asian Cinema, which concluded last week in France.
The film was awarded the prestigious Golden Cyclo, with the international jury commending Rathnayake for having ‘fully expressed the humanistic spirit’ of the adapted work. The jury further highlighted the film’s ‘sharp criticism of contemporary politics’, noting its relevance to present-day Asia as a key factor behind its win.
Presided over by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Wang Bing, the jury included Korean director Shin Su-won, Iranian producer Katayoon Shahabi, and
French director, producer and screenwriter Joël Farges.
Director Lalith Rathnayake (centre)
Adding to its accolades, ‘Riverstone’ also received a Special Mention from the Critics’ Jury for its psychological exploration of justice and conscience, supported by a strong lead performance and striking cinematography. The Prize of the Friends of Émile Guimet was also awarded to the film, with the jury describing it as a road movie that stages a confrontation between an empathetic prisoner and three police officers, representing an ‘inverted duality between good and evil’.
The festival concluded on February 3, following a week-long showcase of over 100 Asian films from 24 countries, drawing thousands of cinema enthusiasts to the French town of Vesoul. Founded in 1995 by Martine and Jean-Marc Thérouanne, who continue to co-direct the event, the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema remains a leading platform dedicated exclusively to Asian filmmaking.
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