Talent on show

By Lia Bichel
TALENT was splashed across the big screen last week at the first Short Film Festival hosted by Social Welfare (SCATS).
The event, at Chandler Theatre in Noble Park, was created by members of the local Sri Lankan community living in Greater Dandenong and organised by SCATS president Upa Upadasa.
SCATS secretary Shyamon Jayasinghe said there was a “packed and enthusiastic” audience on the night to view the eight films submitted to the festival.
“(The films) showed a lot of creativity and talent,” he said. “It was a great event.”
The film My Name is Amar Widen by maker Shantha Wijesinghe took home three award for Best Film and winner of the Golden Award, Best Screen Play and Film that best conformed to the theme ‘in transit.’
Secret Life by film-maker Senadhi Jayaweera received Best Soundtrack and the judges’ award.
Last Will by Kanishka Rajapaksa received Best Cinematography, and Best Actor went to Wickram Jayawardane.
Charlie by Vajira Ekanayake received Best Direction and Production and the People’s Choice Award.
Mr Ekanayake had undergone a triple bypass 15 months ago and was encouraged by his doctor Michael Ho and professors Julian Smith and Peter Carr to continue his passion for film making.
Mr Ekanayake adapted the screenplay by American resident Bhadohi Mehndi and organised a crew of about 25 people to make the film, which is about a strong relationship between a man and his dog Charlie. When the man dies suddenly, a woman he met in the park decides to take Charlie home and a new relationship is born.
Mr Ekanayake said he was honoured to receive the award after months of determination and hard work and said his crew was just as pleased.
“Everyone was very happy,” he said.
Other films were Birthday Party by Mahinda Wijeratne, Bottle Opener by Sivaharan Rajkumar, Tot for Tat by Wellington Molligoda and Best Screen Play finalist Rain Rain Go Away by Shanuka Perera.