Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sri Lankan Drama 'Rihana' Debuts at Cannes
Sri Lankan Drama 'Rihana' Debuts at Cannes
15 May
Summary
- Sri Lankan human rights drama 'Rihana' selected for Cannes debut.
- Jeremy Irons stars as an activist aiding a wrongly accused woman.
- Film highlights Sri Lankan talent and filming locations.
Sri Lanka's Sumathi Studios is entering the international spotlight with its human rights drama, 'Rihana,' making its debut at Cannes. The film centers on a Sri Lankan Tamil Muslim woman wrongly accused while working as a domestic helper in the Gulf, with Hollywood actor Jeremy Irons portraying a human rights activist who aids her cause.
Directed by veteran filmmaker Chandran Rutnam, 'Rihana' is a multilingual production featuring dialogues in English, Arabic, Tamil, and Sinhalese. Filmed entirely in Sri Lanka, which doubled for Saudi Arabia using studio interiors and AI, the movie was shot in various locations including Colombo and Galle. This production signifies a return to international prominence for Sri Lanka as a filming location.
Founded by the late U.W. Sumathipala, Sumathi Studios has a history of producing social issue dramas and stories focused on women. The studio, now helmed by Milina Sumathipala, aims to elevate Sri Lanka's profile as a filming hub, drawing attention to its diverse talent and stunning locations. 'Rihana' is scheduled to screen at the Cannes Marche on May 20th.
