Filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara has again captured the world’s attention with the world premiere of his fifth film, ‘Spying Stars’, at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, which concluded two days ago.
The film, which competed in the festival’s official selection, marks Jayasundara’s return to the big screen after a nine-year hiatus and signals a significant moment for Sri Lankan cinema.
The film’s trailer was released last week, offering a glimpse into the director’s distinctive cinematic vision. The Tarkovskian, surreal effect that has long defined his work is very much visible in this film as well. This time, however, Jayasundara has ventured into a new genre, that is, sci-fi, which he has made entirely on his own. The independent film is a collaboration between Sri Lanka, India, and France.
Shot in the breathtaking, almost “heavenly” setting of Riverston in the central hills, the film’s premise explores how human relationships can manipulate the manifestation of nature. I had the privilege of being on set during the one-month shoot and can attest to the demanding yet beautiful atmosphere.
The main film set, designed as a luxury boutique suite, offered a vantage point facing a picturesque range of hills shrouded in lush greenery and mist. For a moment, one feels as if he is in heaven. Most of the filming takes place in this suite and in the woods of Riverston, with the crew’s incredible commitment and patience highlighting the truly collaborative nature of filmmaking.
From spiritual crisis to cinematic vision
During the interview, Jayasundara reflected on his return to filmmaking, revealing that the extended break was a period of intense personal reflection and a spiritual journey. After his last film, ‘Dark in the White Night’, was completed in 2015, he experienced an internal crisis regarding his existence, which led him to step away from traditional filmmaking. During this time, he dedicated himself to visual art and cultural-political activism in the country.
Director Vimukthi Jayasundara and DoP Eeshit Narain
However, the onset of the 2020 pandemic reignited his passion for cinema. As he developed the script for ‘Spying Stars’, he made a profound realization: “We always tend to think that nature has its own justice.” The film is set in a future devastated by a mysterious pandemic caused by humanity’s over-reliance on technology, which forces people to confront their own “natural being.”
The plot and international collaboration
The film’s protagonist, portrayed by the talented Indian actress Indira Tiwari, is a Sri Lankan refugee who returns to her home country only to be confined to an isolation facility in a valley resort. There, she is haunted by memories from her past, but instead of succumbing to fear, she develops a profound sense of love and compassion through her interaction with strangers.
Jayasundara emphasized the importance of international collaboration in bringing this film to life. The production involved Indian producer Nila Madhab Panda, Indian Director of Photography Eeshit Narain, and French sound artist Roman Dymny. His long-standing collaboration with editor Saman Alvitigala, who has been with him throughout his career, also played a crucial role. Jayasundara’s decision to work with labs in France for sound and post-production underscores his commitment to achieving the highest artistic quality.
Through this film, Jayasundara aims to challenge the global perception of developing nations. With a smile, he said his goal was to highlight that “the third world can also imagine the future.” The film’s premiere at a major international festival such as Busan is a powerful step in achieving that vision.
