Cinema
Seven Seas
සත් සමුදුර
Siri Gunasinghe · 1967
Synopsis
On the coast of the Southern Province, fishing families live in poverty. Karolina, an anxious mother, waits for the return of her two sons, Gunadasa and Sirisena, who have gone to sea. Around her and her house, Soma, Wimala and her mother, Sophie Nona and Peter cross paths, all held in the grip of life on the shore.
Context
Released on 2 February 1967, it is its author's only feature film, and he wanted the image to carry the narrative: little dialogue, no dances or fights. He wrote the screenplay with a young filmmaker who also assisted him on set. D. B. Nihalsinghe made his debut as cinematographer and editor here; Somadasa Elvitigala's music is reduced to a few solemn songs. Linus Dissanayake produced the film.
Who it is for
A Sinhala-language film, slow and sparing of words, in which the image counts for more than the dialogue; best seen in a subtitled copy.
Prizes and reception
Eight Sarasaviya awards in April 1968, including best film and direction; among the ten best films of the half-century in 1997.