Sri Lanka’s short film industry has expanded into a powerful medium for bold expression and storytelling. In spite of limited resources, these short film formats have been used by local filmmakers, incorporating their creativity to bring attention to various social issues, bringing Sri Lankan perspectives to international cinema. Although the films are quite short in length, their impact comes through as firm as ever. Here are 10 Sri Lankan short films that have beautifully captured the essence of Sri Lankan culture.
- Wildlings Within (2014)
A fantasy drama short film by Sachi Ediriweera, Wildlings Within, tells the story of a young tribesman who gets left behind by his hunting party.Upon coming across a goblin, he has the opportunity to prove his reliability. The film has received much recognition, including the Clujshorts Film Festival.
- HTM (2015)
A silent short film, also by Sachi Ediriweera, HTM, follows a bank worker whose customer base gets affected by a moneyless musician who begs on the streets outside. Starring actors Yashodha Suriyapperuma, Dominic Kellar, and Marissa Jansz, the film is filled with intense, humorous, and heartwarming scenes packed into a span of 11 minutes.
- Thaththa (2016)
Just seven minutes long, this moving short film follows a child who tries to cope with the absence of a father. Shot in the countryside, the film’s cinematography is both soothing and a trigger of despair on behalf of the boy.
- Garden of Bones (2016)
Sri Lankan cinema has quite a few crime films on its list. Garden of Bones is another short addition. Made by Sachi Ediriweera, Garden of Bones is 11 minutes long and revolves around a man who is targeted by a strange family after he accidentally runs over a girl with his car.
- Teddy (2023)
Teddy is a short drama thriller starring Yureni Noshika, Madhushanka Nuwan, and Wayne White. Delving into darker themes, the film is 16 minutes and looks at the life of a Sri Lankan woman who reveals the traumatic events that happened in her marriage that seem to deeply affect her.
- Within the Sound of Silence (2023)
Directed by Nalaka Wijewardhane and starring Shyam Fernando, Sandra Mack, and Chathka Lakmini, Within the Sound of Silence depicts the desperate love of a working-class father. Sneaking into a hospital to get treatment for his terminally ill child, the film is a devastating portrayal of the heart-wrenching decision the father has to make.
- Mahasona (2021)
Lanka Bandaranayake directs the short film, Mahasona (2021), which tells the story of a boy whose mother believes the devil Mahasona has possessed him. Conducting a traditional ritual known as a Thovil to repel the spirit, a much more disturbing truth is revealed. Starring Hesara Kpuga, Kumudu Kumarasinghe, and Nis Man Ranasinghe, Mahasona delves into abuse and how children may be affected by people’s tendency to turn to mystical belief when solving problems.
- Child Soldier (2013)
Set during the civil war, Child Soldier follows a boy who is abducted from his village after an attack and trained by militants as a child soldier. Directed by Poornima Meegammana, the film portrays the soldier fleeing after a man dies at his hand, seeking freedom from the terror of war.
- Info (2024)
A 10-minute drama, Info explores the lives of a rural couple who face difficulties seeking government aid due to injustice. However, as the pair find out about the Right to Information Act, they set out to secure the support. Directed by Okitha Bandara and written by Nimmi Jayasekara, the film looks into the importance of knowledge and transparency and the role they play in changing lives.
- Hooves (2024)
Hooves is a horror mystery thriller that delves into folklore, following a boy who learns about a hoofed demon that protects the forest and the strange occurrences surrounding it. Directed by Akash Sunethkumara, Hooves explores the story of the Kura Raaksha and the extent of its truth.
