Lalith Rathnayake’s Riverstone has been selected as Sri Lanka’s official entry in the International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards.
The announcement was made by National Film Corporation Chairman - Sudath Mahaadivulwewa during a media briefing held today (Sep. 28).
Mahaadivulwewa, the Chairman of the National Oscar Selection Committee for Sri Lanka, said the film was selected under a newly regulated process in which the Academy’s requirements include approval of the local selection committee and consideration of the professional qualifications of its members.
He added that this is the first time a film that has been selected through such a mechanism will represent Sri Lanka. The National Oscars Selection Committee comprised filmmakers Asoka Handagama, Ravindra Guruge, Anoma Rajakaruna, Visakesa Chandrasekaram, film critic Aruna Gunarathne, musician Lakshman Joseph De Saram and film festival coordinator Uditha Lakmal Kahandawaarachchi.
The following 06 films (05 Sinhala-language films and 01 Tamil-language film) were considered
However, 'Vihanga Premaya' and 'Ayu' had not met the eligibility requirements under the Academy’s rules. Out of the remaining 04 films, Riverstone was chosen as Sri Lanka’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards.
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