With its powerful message on humanity and theme revolving around a marginalized group of people, internationally acclaimed actress and producer Nita Fernando’s ‘Sawara’ (Seven Notes) has been selected to represent Sri Lanka at a special section of the Jaipur International Film Festival.
Originally titled “Journey of Hope”, the film with a remarkable message has been nominated for the Green Rose Award for a film with a Global message at the 5th Jaipur International Film Festival -2013 held from January 30 – February 3 in Jaipur, India.
‘Sawara’ discusses HIV infected in Sri Lanka and their pathetic and traumatic journey. The film stars Sachini Ayendra Mahipala, Anusha Rajapakse, Damitha Abeyrathne, W.Jayasiri, Diluni Mallawaarchi, Danu Innasitamby and Nita herself in the main cast.
The film is woven around the character of Narmada, an internationally famed Sri Lankan professional music composer and a symphony conductor. Highly-sought after Narmada’s life is a success story from every conceivable perspective.
However, an accidental discovery of her being HIV positive has virtually re-configured her life for good, compelling her to embark on a heroic journey against social stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. To her utter disgust, she discovers that she has been cheated by her husband (Rohan).
The journey leads Narmada to discover fellow travellers in a community of HIV positives who have overcome social stigma and lead profitable lives. Ultimately Narmada wins back her rights through a legal battle helped by her beautiful lawyer daughter, Nimanthi (Sachini Ayendra Mahipala) who defeats multimillionaire entrepreneur Justin Weerakoon.
The film effectively deals with a myriad of socio-economic issues such as abject poverty, the sorry plight of Sri Lankan Migrant workers (particularly women), ignorance of HIV/AIDS and STD, child abuse and adverse impact of globalisation particularly on vulnerable sections of the population such as women and children.
Story screen play written by Yolanda Weerasinghe and the direction of ‘Swara’ is by Sanjaya Nirmal and the film is co-produced by Manohan Nanayakkara, chairman of Asia Digital Entertainment and Nita herself. Prabath Roshan-director of photography with Lal Dissanayake and Nanda Jayakody editors, Manjula Ayagama art director, Channa Wijewardana doing the choreography and Dayasiri Jayasekara, Pradeepa Darmadasa, Nirosha Virajini, Ranjan Saliya and Natalie Gooneratne have rendered their voices in the playback singing.
src: sundaytimes