Turkish capital screens award-winning Sri Lankan film

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - The Sri Lankan Embassy in Turkey's capital showcased on Tuesday the award-winning film, The Other Half, or Vishama Bhaga.

The film was directed by Lalith Rathnayake and produced by Ven. Aludeniye Subodhi Thero. It was screened in Ankara with a large number of students in attendance.

It tells the story of a family poisoned by agricultural chemicals. The father of a little boy develops chronic kidney disease and dies. Following his loss, the boy finds solace in music.

The film highlights the devastating effects of kidney disease that has claimed more than 50,000 lives, more than the decades-long war that the country suffered recently.

The movie is one of its kind for being the first charity movie in Sri Lanka, donating proceeds to two projects that aim to prevent the spread of kidney disease.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Turkey Mohamed Rizvi Hassen told Anadolu Agency that he started the project to show gaps in Sri Lanka.

Underlining that the younger generation does not know about Sri Lankan films and culture, he said he wanted to create awareness among young people.

“This is the first ever Sri Lankan film shown in Turkey,” he said, adding that it talks about the water issue in the country.

In addition to the water crisis, The Other Half sheds light on how the community copes with the problem.

Among other awards it received, The Other Half was among the best five films at the 22nd Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2019, the year it premiered.