Sunday, 07 September 2025

Claiming the Social Space in a City: Film Screening and Dialogue at University of Kelaniya

The Department of Drama, Cinema and Television at the University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Centre for Social Reconciliation, hosted a thought-provoking film screening and discussion on September 1, 2025, at the K14 Auditorium, Faculty of Humanities. The event featured the acclaimed documentary Two Tales of Modikhana by renowned Indian filmmaker Gouri Patwardhan, exploring the powerful journeys of two Dalit artists navigating caste, identity, and urban space.

Following the screening, Ms. Patwardhan engaged in a compelling filmmaker's talk moderated by Prof. Prabha Manuratne from the Department of English, offering insights into the making of the film and the broader socio-political issues it confronts. The discussion was enriched by the participation of Dr. Kumudu Sumedha, Director of the Centre for Social Reconciliation; Mr. Upul Ranepura, Head of the Department of Drama, Cinema and Television; and several other academics and students.

The event highlighted the critical role of cinema in addressing social inequalities and fostering dialogue on caste, space, and representation in South Asia.

Additionally, the event was attended by the academic staff members of the Department of Drama, Cinema and Television, including Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake; staff of the Centre for Social Reconciliation; and students.

Notably, Ms. Patwardhan also met with Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chaincellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the same day at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. 

   

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