I am no conspirator– Pushpakumara A defiant and determined Sanjeewa Pushpakumara, the director of the Sinhala-Tamil anthological film Igillena Maluwo (Flying Fish) finds the current controversy surrounding his anthological film, ‘truly interesting.’ Denying allegations of being a conspirator to being funded by the Tamil Diaspora to create films detrimental to national interest, Seoul-based Pushpakumara in a telephone interview with Ceylon Today said, he had no wish to insult the Sri Lankan Security Forces, but expressed dismay over the inability to appreciate art, for the sake of art. Excerpts: Q: How do you react to the current controversy that surrounds your film? A: I find it truly interesting. I am happy that so many talk about a film many have not seen or even heard of, until the recent problem about a special screening. Finally, I feel my work is up for discussion, whichever way people receive it. Q: Flying Fish received only positive publicity in Sri Lanka since its inclusion in a series of international film festivals since 2011. Subsequent to the banning of the film here, it has been condemned by some. Are you disappointed? A: Not at all. I used to remain glued to national television for years. You can call me a ‘marathon viewer’ of the State-owned channels. I am not disturbed in the least by the bad publicity now dished out by those who celebrated my success then. I accept it as part of life and a challenge, as an artiste. Q: But an entire film festival has been suspended on account of its inclusion? A: I feel sad about that. It was unnecessary. The French Embassy obtained permission from the Public Performance Board (PPB) for a single screening as part of the film festival. The film has been screened at a record number of international film festivals so far. For this purpose, it has been certified by the National Film Corporation (NFC), without which we are unable to clear Customs, when sending copies abroad for such screenings. The film focuses on recent history and human experiences of the war. I could not handle the number of requests for international screenings, and had to decline invitations from Bussan and Moscow Film Festivals. I say this with humility. The film continues to generate much interest, and even when supported to attend these festivals, it is still financially difficult for us. I work hard to strike a balance between my studies and cinematic work. Q: The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) announced an inquiry will be conducted against the film makers, by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Have you been notified? A: I am yet to hear from the authorities. I will fully co-operate with such a process and in fact welcome it. I am a simple artiste, a youth who just embarked on a creative journey. I have been met with resistance at the very beginning. I will not resist it and will face any inquiry. I have nothing to hide. Read more: ceylontoday.lk/59-38188-news-detail-i-am-no-conspirator-pushpakumara.html
Posted on: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 03:03:29 +0000
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