The world of cinema knows no borders, transcending language, culture, and distance. In a celebration of artistic diversity and collaboration, the Goethe-Institut proudly presents its pioneering Film Talents Programme - Voices from Sri Lanka and Pakistan, a groundbreaking initiative uniting young film talents from Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Voices from Sri Lanka and Pakistan
With a shared passion for storytelling and visual arts, the programme seeks to nurture the talents of ten extraordinary participants and foster an exchange of ideas that will shape the future of cinema. Meet the ten participants from Sri Lanka and Pakistan, representing a vibrant mix of creative minds eager to share their unique perspectives with the world.
Abdullah Khan is a young filmmaker from Karachi, Pakistan who explores stories related to themes of childhood and silenced voices through film. Khan graduated from Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture majoring in Film.
Throughout his education, he gained a strong foundation in various aspects of filmmaking and his dedication has led him to create his latest project, ‘A Clay Horse’.
Chathura Fernando is a young filmmaker based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is a writer, director and script supervisor and currently pursuing an MPhil degree, where he is engaged in extensive reading and research.
His latest work, ‘One Blood’ (2019) and ‘Days in December’ reflect his creative vision and storytelling abilities.
He recently showcased his talent as a screenwriter in two short films: ‘Let Me Go’ (2021) and ‘Shall I Kiss You’ (2022).
Dinesh Balasri is a young screenplay writer and director from Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. He is a passionate storyteller with a strong affinity for the cinema.
With his desire to enhance his passion, he has attended master classes at Agenda 14 Short Film Festival and Jaffna International Cinema Film Festival. He continues to explore new avenues in cinema, aiming to create impactful narratives through his films.
Gopi Krishna is a young filmmaker based in Kandy, Sri Lanka and is a diploma holder in Multimedia from Wijeya Graphics.
One of Gopi's notable achievements is his film "Human Zoo," which has garnered recognition and accolades within the film community. The film secured 2nd place at the Sri Lanka Press Institute, showcasing his talent as a filmmaker. The film was nominated for Best National Short Film Award at Jaffna International Cinema Festival.
Javaria Wasseem is a young filmmaker based in Islamabad, Pakistan. She has completed her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from the National University of Sciences and Technology.
Seeking further to enhance her skills in creativity she pursued a Master’s in Film and Arts from École Internationale de Création Audiovisuelle et de Réalisation in Paris, graduating in 2022.
Throughout her journey, she has acquired a diverse range of skills in various aspects of filmmaking.
Narthanie Serasinghe is a young filmmaker based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She attended University College Dublin at the National School of Business Sri Lanka.
In addition to her formal education, she has undergone training in various technical and digital skills related to filmmaking.
Currently, she works at a production company named ‘Kehelmala Productions’ as a creative associate. She was a trainee in the Camera Chica Pilot Film Programme in partnership with British Council, Sri Lanka.
She has also served as an Audio Visual Executive in an advertising agency and gained a comprehensive understanding of the production workflow.
Rinoshan Susiman is an interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker based in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Art and Design Studies. He has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the creative process and visual storytelling.
He has demonstrated his creativity and talent through the creation of short films.
Sehu Alludeen Fathima Shanaz is a talented filmmaker based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Her educational background includes completing her MPhil in Film Studies. Shanaz has actively participated in various workshops and training programmes related to film.
She is an award winning short filmmaker and her creations have represented some prestigious national and international film festivals. Her portfolio demonstrated her skill as a film director and some of her notable works include ‘Halaal’ (2015), ‘Hope’ (2017), ‘H2O’ (2018) and ‘The Pet’ (2019), a chapter of The Good Night Colombo Anthology.
Thamilini Sithiravadivel is a filmmaker based in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. With an unwavering passion for visual storytelling, Thamilini has mastered the art of weaving narratives through captivating imagery, breathing life into her stories.
In her previous work related to film, she has explored various compelling themes and subjects such as struggles faced by the LGBT community, tackling unsafe abortion prevalent in the Eastern Province and highlighting challenges faced by women.
Zeeshan Akram Jabeera is a filmmaker based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. While he has a background in Software Engineering with a bachelor’s degree, his true passion lies in creative works that bring stories alive.
As the founder of Paradeim, a podcast company, he works at the intersection of audio, video, creativity, and technology to craft captivating narratives. Zeeshan being a self-taught filmmaker has produced acclaimed works such as ‘If These Walls Could Speak’ a gripping investigative piece that delves into the far-reaching impact of urbanisation and displacement in Slave Island, Colombo. His evocative storytelling and poignant visulas are a testament to the creative spirit he brings.
Film Talents Mentors
Guiding these promising talents in this workshop is the esteemed German Film Director Till Passow. Joining him are two distinguished filmmakers from Sri Lanka - Vimukthi Jayasundara and Anomaa Rajakaruna. Their involvement in the Film Talents Programme promises to enrich the experience further, providing a cross-cultural dynamic that will inspire the participants to push creative boundaries.
The participants were selected by a jury that is comprised of six renowned filmmakers, producers and directors from Germany, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Their interdisciplinary, international perspectives enabled them to assess the over 100 applications and ultimately invite the ten upcoming filmmakers to participate in this year's Film Talents project.
The project is coordinated by Yoshitha Perera a cinematographer and a journalist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Her passion for storytelling through the lens of a camera has led her to establish herself as a filmmaker in both documentary and narrative film worlds.
Her debut animated short fiction film, "The Girl in the Rainwater Tree," captivated audiences and received the prestigious Best National Short Film award at the esteemed Jaffna International Cinema Festival.
