Скачать или смотреть Gehenu Lamai (1978): Sumitra Peries' Poetic Black & White Classic

Step into the poignant, black-and-white world of "Gehenu Lamai" (Gehenu lamai), the revolutionary 1978 cinematic debut by Sri Lanka's first female director, the late Sumitra Peries. Produced by her celebrated husband, Dr. Lester James Peries , this film remains a cornerstone of Sinhala cinema.

The Story of Innocence Lost:
Adapted from the novel by Karunasena Jayalath , the film tells the heartbreaking story of two young village sisters, Kusum and Soma. Their romantic dreams and aspirations are brutally crushed by the heavy hand of entrenched class barriers and patriarchal expectations in mid-century Sri Lankan society.

The narrative provides a searing critique of social structures, insisting on the "unyielding truth: women bear the burden of consequence, no matter their choices," whether through quiet renunciation (Kusum) or visible transgression (Soma). The film's unique aesthetic—a spare, restrained black-and-white visual language—was praised by critics for its "wholly feminine sensibility".

Legacy and Global Acclaim:
Gehenu Lamai achieved immediate international recognition, earning the prestigious "Outstanding Film of the Year" award at the 1978 London Film Festival. It introduced the world to its lead star, Vasanthi Chathurani, who, as a 16-year-old schoolgirl, delivered an "outstanding performance" that secured her overnight success.

The 4K Restoration for Cannes 2025:
Despite its importance, the film's physical elements were in a precarious state. Thanks to a pioneering international collaboration—the

FISCH initiative—the Film Heritage Foundation meticulously restored Gehenu Lamai to stunning 4K resolution using the surviving 35mm elements preserved at the National Film Corporation (NFC). This restoration culminated in a world premiere at the prestigious

Cannes Film Festival 2025 Classics section, reaffirming its status as a vital piece of global cinematic heritage.

Watch our video for an in-depth analysis of this timeless classic!