Mahil Senathirajah
The Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) launched Monday with three short films.
The first, Pieta, is a bracing examination of the intrinsic psychological forces that led to the uncontrolled violence during Sri Lanka’s civil war. It is an inventive, well acted film, with a policeman interrogating an unseen, universal mother figure (and it works…).
The second, Rename, told the story of a young girl struggling to change her name as China’s second child policy comes into effect and facing sexism within her family.
The last film, Interview with a Monk, was the evening’s highlight. Two young South Asian-American filmmakers seek Buddhist teachings from a Sri Lankan monk, now living in Los Angeles, to address some of the most pressing issues in the zeitgeist.
Many of the issues are very contemporary (e.g., judgment through social media) but, ultimately, universal and long standing in the eyes of the monk (e.g., self-acceptance).
The monk, Venerable Master Shantha Shobana, and the filmmakers were in attendance. Questions from the audience included responding to the emotional bleakness of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as well as the existential threat of climate change.
One audience member asked the monk what he thinks about as he’s going to sleep (spoiler alert: “gratitude”). It was a timely and lively Q&A.
CEYIFF continues throughout the week with screenings all week. The space is very comfortable and the parking is easy.
Ceylon tea is served, there’s a little social time before the film starts and it’s a friendly audience.
Price: Free, no ticket required (you can just show up)
Dates: NOW through Friday, October 27
Time: Doors open at 4:30 pm, screenings start at 5 pm. There is a special screening on Thursday at 2 pm
Where: Direct Relief International Headquarters, Hatch Hall, 6100 Wallace Becknell Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93117. Free parking in front
What’s Showing?: Click here for the film guide
CEYIFF also has a full, closing day planned at the Lobero Theater on Saturday, October 28 with a film screening, awards ceremony and dance and music performances and a reception. Click here for more information.
