Asoka Handagama at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto in 2012. (Picture by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
Asoka Handagama’s recent run of awards for Ini Avan at the Hiru Golden Film Awards was felt half a world away here in Toronto.
Two years ago, it was in this city the film premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Cameron Bailey, TIFF Artistic Director (left) with Asoka Handagama, Director of Him, Here, After (centre) and Micheal Ignatieff, Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs attend a public screening of the film in 2012. (Picture by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
Ini Avan bagged five top awards in Colombo in October including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editor and Best Film.
Darshan Dharmaraj seen here in a scene from the film won Best Actor at the Hiru Golden Awards. (TIFF Handout)
“Ini Avan addresses the fallout of Sri Lanka’s conflict with art, compassion and political insight. It’s also very beautiful. This is a rare achievement in any country’s cinema,” Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) told lankareporter.com last week.
Asoka Handagama at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto in 2012. (Picture by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
In 2012, Michael Ignatieff former Canadian Leader of Opposition, renowned writer and journalist hosted an extended question and answer following the public screening of the film.
Asoka Handagama and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) introduce the film in 2012. (Picture by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
