Ceylon International Film Festival

June 10-12, 2022

Lobero Theatre

AwardsDocumentary FilmFilmFilm FestivalPanel Discussion

About the Event

Vision – We believe there are many stories to tell and talents to discover in the creation of movies. Cinema and Entertainment is a place where people can express, educate one another and share knowledge, cinema is a different type of classroom where knowledge can be shared. We support individual filmmakers to thrive and bring their work to the world.

Mission – Ceylon International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote Sri Lanka and our Cinema to the world. Through our programs, our goal is to discover, support and inspire individuals and independent films.

About CEYIFF – The Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization formed by Aruni Boteju, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. The focus of Ceylon International Film Festival is to promote Sri Lankan Cinema while opening up opportunities for Sri Lankan filmmakers to enter into the global standards of filmmaking by having an exposure to Hollywood. This also provides them with ample opportunities to exchange the global culture and immerse themselves in the creative landscape of filmmaking.

Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) is the first-ever Sri Lankan Film Festival organized outside of Sri Lanka. CEYIFF is dedicated to presenting International and Sri Lankan Cinema to film lovers. We are committed to promoting new filmmakers’ projects and showcasing their films to international audiences. Our mission is to screen independent films of all genres from all around the world.

The educational arm of the organization focuses on providing scholarships and other benefits to the filmmakers with the objective of encouraging them to strive in the filmmaking industry. Further, the educational arm also offers courses and training programs to help them sharpen the saw, using modern tools and innovations.

Master Class program for young filmmakers can be identified as another milestone of the organization where the two cents of experts are being given to the new bees, using virtual workshops and in-person workshops. This takes place in both countries, ensuring the exchange of customs and cultural knowledge that are indigenous.

The story of the International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival established by a single individual, Igor Blazevic, just over a decade ago, is a classic case study on how one can transform to reality and run a film festival even in a place with no facilities and infrastructure, but only an idea. First supported by a small NGO, People in Need, The One World Festival, presents over 100 documentary films during nine days in Spring from around the world. It was the catalyst for the Human Rights Film Network, which brings together 33 festivals from around the world. That example boards well for Aruni’s planned Ceylon International Film Festival, which has a head start with the support of the Santa Barbara Institutions and leading personalities, including the mayor, a big supporter of the effort.

Facebook: @CeyIFF https://www.facebook.com/CeyIFF

Instagram: @ceylonintl.filmfestival https://www.instagram.com/ceylonintl.filmfestival/?hl=en

Twitter: @CeyIFF https://twitter.com/CeyIFF

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_Sh95t9h_50yqpC8RtjWA

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