Sakkarang: Film forum – film and discussion

Sakkarang is about a community of traditional dancers who lived in the hinterland of colonial Ceylon. Their bonded duty is to perform in the annual festival of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Set between two rebellions against colonial rule and in romantic and lyrical tones, the narrative revolves around the story of Sube and Rathi, the chief dancer and his enterprising wife. Their story charts the struggle of this marginal and oppressed caste community for its roots, heritage, for what is rightfully its and for a place in the world, even as the country goes through the tortuous transformation from feudalism to modernity. A film by Dharmasena Pathiraja, the story is based on the award-winning novel by Chamminda Welagedara. Followed by a discussion moderated by Anomaa Rajakaruna.