<p>Sri Lankan filmmaker Indika Ferdinando’s <em>Bulletproof Children</em> is slated to be screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival 2020 (BIFFES 2020) on Monday (March 2) and this has created a fair deal of buzz among a section of the audience. Speaking exclusively to <em>DH</em>, Ferdinando opens up the theme of his film, his love for film festivals and other issues close to his heart.</p>.<p><strong>Q. What is the core theme of <em>Bulletproof Children</em>?</strong></p>.<p><strong>A</strong>. <em>Bulletproof Children </em>is based on a seemingly small incident that got little coverage. It deals with a tragedy that can happen to any parent. Inspired by a play, it highlights the importance of giving a decent funeral to a brother.</p>.<p><strong>Q. Does the Sri Lankan government provide ample support to filmmakers?</strong></p>.<p><b>A. </b>We don’t get too much support from the government as the authorities are not too serious about the potential of film as an art form.</p>.<p><strong>Q. What is your take on the Sri Lankan Tamil film industry?</strong></p>.<p><strong>A</strong>. The Sri Lankan Tamil film industry is thriving as an art form but there are issues in distribution. That said and done, there are a lot of filmmakers who have potential.</p>.<p><strong>Q. Do you follow the Indian cinema? Do you have any favourites?</strong></p>.<p><strong>A</strong>. I follow the Indian cinema. I really liked the Malayalam film <em>Jallikattu</em>. In fact, I was even thinking about whether I can remake it in my language. I have a keen interest in rituals and I feel that I can handle the subject. I also admire <em>Lagaan </em>as the storytelling is marvellous even though it is over three hours long. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s <em>Black </em>and <em>Devadas </em>too are pretty good.</p>.<p><strong>Q. What is the importance of film festivals for directors?</strong></p>.<p>A. Film festivals serve as a meeting point for filmmakers from different part of the world. We also get to watch and observe movies from around the globe. BIFFES 2020, in particular, has been a heart-warming experience for me. </p>
<p>Sri Lankan filmmaker Indika Ferdinando’s <em>Bulletproof Children</em> is slated to be screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival 2020 (BIFFES 2020) on Monday (March 2) and this has created a fair deal of buzz among a section of the audience. Speaking exclusively to <em>DH</em>, Ferdinando opens up the theme of his film, his love for film festivals and other issues close to his heart.</p>.<p><strong>Q. What is the core theme of <em>Bulletproof Children</em>?</strong></p>.<p><strong>A</strong>. <em>Bulletproof Children </em>is based on a seemingly small incident that got little coverage. It deals with a tragedy that can happen to any parent. Inspired by a play, it highlights the importance of giving a decent funeral to a brother.</p>.<p><strong>Q. Does the Sri Lankan government provide ample support to filmmakers?</strong></p>.<p><b>A. </b>We don’t get too much support from the government as the authorities are not too serious about the potential of film as an art form.</p>.<p><strong>Q. What is your take on the Sri Lankan Tamil film industry?</strong></p>.<p><strong>A</strong>. The Sri Lankan Tamil film industry is thriving as an art form but there are issues in distribution. That said and done, there are a lot of filmmakers who have potential.</p>.<p><strong>Q. Do you follow the Indian cinema? Do you have any favourites?</strong></p>.<p><strong>A</strong>. I follow the Indian cinema. I really liked the Malayalam film <em>Jallikattu</em>. In fact, I was even thinking about whether I can remake it in my language. I have a keen interest in rituals and I feel that I can handle the subject. I also admire <em>Lagaan </em>as the storytelling is marvellous even though it is over three hours long. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s <em>Black </em>and <em>Devadas </em>too are pretty good.</p>.<p><strong>Q. What is the importance of film festivals for directors?</strong></p>.<p>A. Film festivals serve as a meeting point for filmmakers from different part of the world. We also get to watch and observe movies from around the globe. BIFFES 2020, in particular, has been a heart-warming experience for me. </p>
