New Delhi: Sinhala film ‘Aloko Udapadi’ meaning ‘Light Arose’ depicts a major milestone in the Buddhist timeline. It is a story of human effort to preserve the spiritual heritage of Buddhisim for future generations of mankind. This was stated by the Chathra Weeraman, Director of ‘Aloko Udapadi’ in Goa today. The film was screened as part of the World Cinema last evening.
Briefing the media, the Director, said that the film is an epic tale about the leading Sri Lankan monks who recorded the sacred work of Buddha in writing, while the land was aflame with war and famine. Set against the background of the events that took place 2100 years ago and 454 years after the great demise of Lord Buddha, the story is based on the facts found in Mahavansha, the chronicle considered to be the documented history of Sri Lanka, rock inscriptions across Sri Lanka written by the monks of that era and folklores about the King Walagambha. Sensing that Buddhism was in danger monks took to inscribing oral traditions on rocks. King Walagambha of Sri Lanka troubled by power hungry forces and famine has not got due recognition in history, he added.
Thanking IFFI 2016 for screening their film in the World Premiere Section, Chathra Weeraman said it is a great platform to showcase the film. He further added Sri Lankan film industry is small and so is the budget scale, due to the small viewership. Their film was completed under a budget of INR 6 crores and this is his debut film.
The Director of the film added that the film it is being dubbed in several languages as there are 41 countries where Buddhism is practised and the film crew feels committed to deliver this significant yet less known chapter of Buddhist history to them in their native language. Responding to a question Chathra Weeraman, said that there are no collaborations yet, but as Buddhism in Sri Lanka’s history is connected to India as well, there can be co-productions on the same topic in the future to come.
Kogalla Nishantha, Executive Producer for the film, spoke to the media about the world release of Aloko Udapadi. He said that this film will be released on January 20th, 2017, in a number of languages.
‘ALOKO UDAPADI’ the Sinhala film revolves around the story of the Buddha’s dispensation in written form after long centuries of oral tradition in a turbulent historical context. King Valagamba was overthrown five months after his coronation by a rebellion and invasion from South India, but regained the throne after fourteen years by defeating the invaders.
Chathra Weeraman is Co-Founder & Lead VFX Artist at Autumn Lane Studio and is an independent filmmaker. He has over five years’ experience as a Director, 3D Generalist and a Digital Compositor, a driver for both technical as well as creative execution of a production. Along with Chathra Weeraman, Executive Producers of the film Kogalla Nisantha and Nuwan Thilanga were also present at the press conference.
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