‘Let her Cry’ and ‘Frangipani’ shine at SAARC Film Fest

Asoka Handagama’s ‘Age Esa Aga’ (Let Her Cry) was adjudged the Best Feature Film and Best Director at the SAARC Film Festival 2017 which ended recently.

Featuring 23 films from SAARC countries among other Sri Lankan f i l m s, ‘ S ayapethi Kusuma’‘ Frangipani’ was acclaimed with Special Jury Awards.

Handagama’s film was awarded the Best Feature Film award with the citation read as

Among the other awards ‘ Black Hen’ from Nepal won the Best Film Open and Afghanistan’s ‘The Water’ won the Best Short Film award.

The Best Actor award was shared by three Sri Lankans Dasuna Pathialana, Jehan Appuhami and Bhoomi Harendran for their roles in ‘Sayapethi Kusuma’. The citation for the award read as “For the delicate ensemble performances of the 3 actors to convey an in-depth portrait of a marginalised group”

Aishath Rishmy from the Maldives won the Best Actress award for her role in Vishka.

Among the other awards Best Screenplay for Tauquir Ahamed (Oggatonama) from Bangladesh, Best Editor- Bhupendra Adhikari (Dying Candle) from Nepal, the Best Cinematography Ahmad Zia Arash ( The Bird Was Not A Bird) from Afghanistan, Best Original Score Jason Kunwar ( Black Hen) from Nepal and the Best Sound Designer Swapnil Sonawane ( Tandaav) from India.

The panel of eminent jury included – Dr. Anne Demy- Geroe from Australia, Dr. Antonio Costa Valente from Portugal and Mr. Amir Masoud Soheili from Iran.

Started in 2011, the festival is held with the aim of preserving and promoting cultural diversity and identity through cinema in the region.