Sri Lankan film director triumphs at Dhaka International Film Festival

Popular Sri Lankan filmmaker Jagath Manuwarna has clinched the ‘Best Director’ award in the Asian Competition Section of the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF).

Manuwarna’s directorial debut, ‘Whispering Mountains’ (Rahas Kiyana Kandu), earned him this accolade, propelling him into the limelight of Asian cinema at the prestigious Dhaka festival. The film, which won the hearts of the film lovers locally, initially captivated audiences at the Bright Future program of the 2023 International Film Festival Rotterdam, where it made a compelling premiere.

‘Whispering Mountains’ not only garnered critical acclaim but also bagged the NETPAC Awards for the best Asian feature film, in Manuwarna’s debut storytelling project. Manuwarna’s film which talks of devastating mass deaths and a dystopian political system, masterfully crafts narrative that weaves together horror, mystery and violence that unfolds ironically against a landscape of spectacular natural beauty, judges of the festival said.

The 87-minute masterpiece continues its remarkable journey, only months after receiving an exclusive invitation to the esteemed 28th Busan International Film Festival in October 2023.