Prasanna Vithanage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prasanna Vithanage
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Prasanna Vithanage during Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema, 2009
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| Born | 14 March 1962 Panadura, Western Province, Sri Lanka
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| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Prasanna Vithanage Academy of Acting |
| Spouse(s) |
Damayanthi Fonseka
(m. 1991) |
| Awards | Full list |
Udaya Prasanna Vithanage (Sinhala: ප්රසන්න විතානගේ) is a famous filmmaker from Sri Lanka. He was born on March 14, 1962. Many people think he is one of the best and most important filmmakers in South Asia. His movies often make you think about important social, political, and cultural topics. They have won many awards both in Sri Lanka and around the world. People love his films for their new and interesting ways of telling stories.
Prasanna Vithanage has also fought against censorship in Sri Lanka. This means he has worked to make sure filmmakers can express their ideas freely. He also teaches young filmmakers and movie fans. He is an activist who cares about human rights and peace.
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Prasanna Vithanage's Films
Prasanna Vithanage has directed many films. Here are some of his most well-known works:
- Sisila Giniganee (1992) – This was his very first film as a director.
- Anantha Rathriya (1996) – He directed and wrote this film.
- Pura Handa Kaluwara (1997) – He was the director, producer, and writer for this movie.
- Pavuru Valalu (1997) – Another film he directed.
- Ira Madiyama (2003) – Also known as August Sun, he directed and co-wrote this film. It won several international awards.
- Akasa Kusum (2008) – Also known as Flowers of the Sky, he directed, produced, and wrote this film. It received awards for Best Actress.
- Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka (2012) – Also known as With You, Without You, he directed and wrote this movie. It won major awards at film festivals.
- Usaviya Nihandai (2015) – This is a documentary film that he directed, produced, and wrote.
- Thundenek (2018) – He directed a segment of this film called "Her."
- Gaadi (2019) – He directed, produced, and wrote this film.
- Paradise (2023) – He directed and co-wrote this film. It won the Kim Jiseok award at a big film festival.
Awards and Recognition
Prasanna Vithanage's films have won many important awards. Here are some of them:
Awards for Ira Madiyama (August Sun)
- Grand Prix (Special Mention) "Le Regard d'or" at the Fribourg International Film Festival in 2004.
- FIPRESCI Award at the 17th Singapore International Film Festival in 2004.
- NETPAC Award at the 17th Singapore International Film Festival in 2004.
Awards for Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky)
- Best Actress award for Malini Fonseka at the Levante International Film Festival in Italy.
- Best Actress award for Malini Fonseka at the SAARC Film Festival in 2012.
Awards for Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka (With You, Without You)
- Cyclo d'Or for Best Film at the Vesoul International Film Festival.
- NETPAC award at the Vesoul International Film Festival.
- SIGNIS award at the Milano -African Asian Latin American Film Festival.
- Silver Peacock Award for Best Actress (Anjali Patil) at the Indian International Film Festival (IFFF).
Other Honours
- Prasanna Vithanage was a Jury member at the 29th Busan International Film Festival in 2024. He helped decide the winner of the 'Kim Jiseok Award'.
