Sri Lanka marked a proud moment in cinema history as the newly restored version of Gehenu Lamai (1978), directed by the late Sumitra Peries, was screened at the 2025 Festival de Cannes on May 17.
The screening took place at Salle Buñuel and was attended by the film’s lead actors Wasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa, Shyama Ananda, and family members of Sumitra Peries, widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s first female filmmaker.
The restoration of Gehenu Lamai, a landmark in South Asian cinema, celebrates Sumitra Peries’ enduring legacy and contribution to global film.
The film was restored in 4K by the Film Heritage Foundation at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in association with the Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries Foundation. The restoration was funded through a grant under the France–India–Sri Lanka Cine Heritage (FISCH) initiative, supported by the French Embassies in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and India. (Newswire)
A historic moment for SriLankan Cinema at the Cannes Film Festival. Sri Lankans grace the red carpet.🇱🇰👏👏
The newly restored version of Sumitra Peries’ 1978 classic “Gehenu Lamai” is screened under Cannes Classics, celebrating the poetic legacy of Sri Lanka’s pioneering woman… pic.twitter.com/o4I24remv9
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) May 18, 2025
