Film Screening: The Girls (Gehenu Lamai): New Restoration

Courtesy of the High Commission of Sri Lanka, London, our screening on Monday 27 July will be preceded by a drinks reception in the Atrium Bar from 18:30. Ticketholders will receive a complimentary glass of Sri Lanka’s national spirit, Ceylon Arrack, mixed with ginger beer (or a non-alcoholic ginger beer).

Both screenings will be preceded by a pre-recorded introduction by guest curator Anupma Shanker.

The groundbreaking debut film of Sumitra Peries – known as the Poetess of Sri Lankan Cinema and the country’s first female director –is a lyrical exploration of feminine sensibility and offers a tender and transporting journey through young dreams & first loves.

Kusum, a poor but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family, sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son. Soma, Kusum’s younger sister, pursues beauty pageants and dreams of acting, believing it’s her best chance of a better life. What unfolds is a poignant coming-of-age story set in rural Sri Lanka that truly articulates the tacit struggles of adolescent love being stifled by traditional societal norms from a uniquely feminine perspective.

Peries draws out natural, affecting performances from her cast, particularly Vasanthi Chathurani, who was still at school when she played Kusum – the role that launched a long screen career.

The Girls was crowned the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival. Beautifully digitally restored, it feels just as fresh, illuminating and moving today.

Screening as part of the South Asian Heritage Month Season at The Garden Cinema