‘Paradise’ starring Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran shone at the 23rd Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain. The film has won the popular film award at the festival. The film is produced by Newton Cinema. The film won the audience award at the festival held in Spain from 19 to 28 April 2024. Director Prasanna Vithanage received the award. ‘This film (Paradise) proved that cinema has the power to unite and inspire us and give us a glimpse into the diversity of the world around us. The film’s characters, landscape, story and its unique vision present the beauty and complexity of the human experience.’ Says the jury.
Prasanna Vithanage is a director who has won more than thirty international awards, including five Netpac awards. ‘Paradise’ is his 10th film. Along with Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran, leading actors of Sri Lankan cinema, Shyam Fernando and Mahendra Perera played the lead roles in the film. Cinematography was done by Rajeev Ravi. A. The film is composed by Sreekar Prasad. ‘K’ composed the music for the film. In 2022, Sri Lanka faced a financial crisis due to rising prices, shortage of essential commodities including fuel and medicines and popular uprisings. The film has also won many international awards. It also won the Kim Ji-seok Award for Best Film at the Busan International Film Festival and the ‘Pre du Jury Lecian’ award at the 30th Wesul International Film Festival. It is the first Indian film to be shot entirely in Sri Lanka. The film will hit theaters in June 2024.
