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The Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) runs from October 23 to 28 in Santa Barbara, California. After five days of engrossing films from Sri Lanka and around the world, CEYIFF will culminate with a day long program at the historic Lobero Theater.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (Film Screening, Rainy Day, 70 mins): There will be a film screening at 1:30 pm of the classic Sri Lankan film, a Rainy Day.
Synopsis: “A social drama set in the cool upcountry, Rainy Day (‘Wehi Dawasa’) tells the intertwining story of impoverished Elisa and Theja, who go to a hospital to get desperately needed medicine, and a team of dramatists from Colombo traveling to perform their final show. In the meantime, the wife of the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer is busy getting ready to meet her heartthrob who happens to be main star in the drama.”
5:00 pm – 7:30 Awards Gala
As part of CEYIFF’s mission to foster cultural exchange, the unique Award Gala will feature diverse dance and music performances from five accomplished Sri Lankan, Indian and Hispanic artists. The evening will also include celebration of CEYIFF’s award winners as well as the giving of lifetime achievement awards to Sri Lankan film icons, Mudaliayaka Somarathna and Bhadraji Mahinda Jaythilaka. See ahead for bios.
Awards Gala Performers
Spoorithi Jitender – Los Angeles
Spoorthi Jithender, is a 23 year-old, professional songwriter and film playback singer whose rich and resonant vocals have been featured over 100 movies in India. Spoorthi has a large social media following with her songs receiving over 150 million views. This multi-talented singer completed her vocal music training from Trinity College in London and writes songs in both English and Spanish.
Spoorithi will perform a song with Sudesh Manogodage. Sudesh is a singer, actor, composer and CEYIFF’s Programming Director.
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Reception: The night concludes with a reception in the Lobero Courtyard with catering from Los Agaves, starting at 7:30.
Rose Marie Cruz Dance and Entertainment – Santa Barbara
Rose Marie Cruz runs a renowned dance academy whose students have performed around the world. Her most memorable student recitals include a command performance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Rose Marie’s personal studies have include flamenco, classical Spanish, ballet, tap and Afro-Cuban ballroom. Dancing will be 11 year old Mia Rodriguez, who has won multiple California dance pageants.
Alma de Mexico – Santa Barbara
Alma de Mexico is a Ballet Folklorico group formed in 1989. They have been a treasured staple of the Santa Barbara dance community, performing at many events throughout the year. The group plays an important role in passing down traditional dance to younger generations with its dancers ranging in age from four to twenty five years.
Savithri Dance Academy – Los Angeles
Based in Los Angeles, the prestigious Savithri Arts Academy was founded by Kalaimamani Dr. Sinduri Jayasinghe in 1997. It specializes in the Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak dance disciplines. Dr. Sinduri is an internationally acclaimed Indian Classical Dancer who has performed in over 2,500 times around the world and holds a doctorate in dance. She specializes in creating dance dramas, with the subject matter ranging from Hindu mythology to contemporary social issues. Dancing will be young and upcoming 24-year-old dancer Vinaini Jayasinghe.
Dewmini Wickramarathna – Los Angeles
Dewmini Wickramaranthna is a 17-year-old rising dancer currently attending North Hollywood Senior High School. Dewmini specializes in Kandyan Dance which was developed in the tea plantation hill country of central Sri Lanka and is the nation’s national dance. It’s vibrant costumes and distinctive movements are captivating.
Buying Tickets: Lobero Box Office: 805-963-0761, Website: Events | Lobero Theatre, www.lobero.org/whats-on/
