The Girls (Peries, 1978): BFI Southbank, 2.30pm, 6.10pm & 8.45pm
BFI introduction:
Sumitra Peries’ groundbreaking Sri Lankan film offers a tender and
transporting journey through young dreams and first loves. Kusum, a poor
but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family,
sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son. Soma, Kusum’s
younger sister, pursues beauty pageants and dreams of acting, believing
it’s her best chance of a better life. What unfolds is a lyrical and
poignant coming of age story, brimming with yearning and feminine
sensibility. Sumitra Peries, known as ‘the poetess of Sri Lankan
cinema’, became the country’s first female director with this
astonishing debut. She draws out natural, affecting performances from
her cast, particularly Vasanthi Chathurani, who was still at school when
she played Kusum – the role that launched a long screen career. The
Girls was crowned the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London
Film Festival. Beautifully restored in digital 4K, it feels just as
fresh, illuminating and moving today.
Kimberley Sheehan
Here (and above) is an extract.
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