The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), hosted Sri Lanka & NFDC Film Festival in Mumbai from 01 February to 05 February 2025 at the 5th edition of the NFDC & Country Film Festival.
The five-day cinematic exchange celebrated the rich storytelling traditions of India and Sri Lanka, while strengthening cultural ties through cinema.
The opening ceremony held on 01 February commenced with the welcoming address by the General Manager, followed by the speeches of the Chairman of the SLTPB and Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Shirani Ariyarathne. The Sri Lankan delegation extended their gratitude to NFDC for its continuous efforts in strengthening cinematic bonds between the two countries.
The Chief Guest of the opening ceremony was actress Taranjit Kaur, known for her roles in award-winning Indian films. The opening ceremony included Sri Lankan cultural performances by the Karunadasa Olaboduwa Dancing Academy, and featured the serving of an assortment of Sri Lankan delicacies to the guests.
The five-day festival showcased a curated selection of celebrated films from Sri Lanka and India at the NMIC Auditorium. The Sri Lankan movies “Goal” and “Vishama Bhaga” were screened on alternate days with the Indian movies “Ek Doctor ki Maut” and “Vees Mhanje Vees”. Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lankan and Indian community and officials in Mumbai including NFDC staff and media attended the festival.
On the sidelines of the event, a meeting was held between the General Manager of NFDC, the Manager of NFDC-NMIC and the Sri Lankan delegation led by the Chairman of the SLTPB and Chairman of the SLCB, to discuss potential collaboration between India and Sri Lanka. The meeting was followed by a tour to the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC).
The festival concluded on 05 February 2025, with a grand closing ceremony. General Manager of NFDC, D. Ramakrishnan and Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka, Shirani Ariyarathne took part in an interview on the experience of the five-day film festival. Further, an interactive Q&A session with the audience was held creating a space for attendees to raise questions about Sri Lankan tourism. As a token of appreciation, the winners of the interactive session received Sri Lankan souvenirs.
The proceedings of the festival were brought to a close with the screening of the film 'Vees Mhanje Vees, followed by a Sri Lankan cuisine experience for all guests.
The Sri Lanka & NFDC Film Festival served as a platform for reinforcing the deep-rooted ties between India and Sri Lanka through the art of filmmaking and cross-border cultural collaboration.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Mumbai
19 February 2025
