Sumitra Peries’ groundbreaking Sri Lankan film offers a tender and transporting journey through young dreams and first loves.
Kusum, a poor but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family, sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son. Soma, Kusum’s younger sister, pursues beauty pageants and dreams of acting, believing it’s her best chance of a better life. What unfolds is a lyrical and poignant coming of age story, brimming with yearning and feminine sensibility.
Sumitra Peries, known as ‘the poetess of Sri Lankan cinema’, became the country’s first female director with this astonishing debut. Beautifully restored in digital 4K, it feels just as fresh, illuminating and moving today.
Credits
Sri Lanka 1978
110min
Digital 4K
Certificate tbc
Sinhala with English subtitles
Dir Sumitra Peries
With Vasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa
Screenings
July
17 July
HOME, Manchester
24 July
Phoenix, Leicester
27 July
Showroom, Sheffield