‘Alborada’ released on Valentine’s Day
Asoka Handagama’s latest film Alborada (The Dawning of the Day ), a fictionalized account of world renowned poet Pablo Neruda’s stay as the Chilean Consul in Sri Lanka will be in cinemas from February 14, the Valentine’s day.
The film drew the attention of international critics and audience when it had its world premiere at 34th Tokyo International Film Festival. Based on an incident took place in Ceylon in 1929-31 when the Chilean poet known as the ‘poet of love’, Pablo Neruda served as the honorary consul of Chile, the principle cast of Alborada includes veteran foreign and local actors; Luis J Romero ( Spain ) AnneSolleneHatte ( French ), Rithika Kodithuwakku, Dominic Kellar, Malcolm Machado, Nimaya Harris, Samantha Balasooriya, Adam Smyth, Thusitha Laknath and Kaushalya Mendis.
After reading a review of Alborada published in El Mastrodor, the most widely read Chilean online magazine, world renowned writer Isabel Allende had commented to the reviewer Eda Cleary, a socio-political writer ; “Fascinating what you say about the film and its analysis of the toxicity of patriarchy, which is now finally being challenged. The ultimate goal of feminism is to replace patriarchy with a more just, egalitarian and kinder civilisation. I think it’s important to take the idols down from their pedestals, because they are flawed people, as we all are, but you can’t cancel their work. If we are going to destroy the work of poets, because they were sinners, we should also destroy the work of scientists, politicians, generals, inventors, musicians and so on. There would be nothing left – Isable Allende.”
Behind the screen assistant director is Vathees Warunan, makeup by Samarasiri Kandanage, costume by Piyathissa Akuranboda, colorist Dinindu Jagoda, visual effects by Chatra Weeraman, production designer is Bimal Dushmantha and music is by Ajith Kumarasiri-Namini Panchala. Director of photography is Channa Deshapriya, edited by Ravindra Guruge the film is produced by H. D. Premasiri. While Iranthi Abeysinghe is the line producer production manager of ‘AlboradA’ is Manjula Perera.
Ajith Kumareasiri and Namini Panchala have written the musical score. The film is co-produced by Kumudini Haputhanthri, Chandu Haputhanthri, Chandri Haputhanthri. For Sarasavi Cineroo, Alborada is produced by H D Premasiri.
A special discount of 20 percent from Sarasavi Bookshop, will be provided to those who watch ‘Alborada’ within first ten days from the release in any of the cinemas.