The Bridging Lanka team is proud to present an exclusive screening of the 2015 Palme d'Or-winning film, Dheepan. Directed by Jacques Audiard (A Prophet, Rust and Bone, My Heart Skipped a Beat), this film tells the story of Dheepan, a former Tamil Tiger soldier who flees the Sri Lankan civil war to start a new life in France. Alongside a woman and orphan who pose as his wife and daughter, Dheepan secures political asylum in a rough Parisian suburb. As they struggle to build a semblance of family life and integrate into their new community, they face numerous challenges and dangers. The film explores identity, survival and the quest for peace in the face of trauma and violence. "Dheepan" won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Dheepan received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and the standout performances given by Antonythasan Jesuthasan and Kalieaswari Srinivasan who play Dheepan and Yalini in the film. You might recognise the two performers from starring in Counting and Cracking, the critically acclaimed stage play written by Sydney's own S. Shakthidharan and directed by Eamon Flack, which premiered at the 2019 Sydney Festival.

Watch the trailer here.

Following its international success in 2015, the film was part of the lineup at several Australian film festivals and also had a limited theatrical release. Bridging Lanka is proud to be hosting the film's return to the big screen in a one-night-only exclusive showing.

The story of Dheepan, though uniquely captured by Audiard, is not an uncommon one. The intergenerational impact of trauma and violence is still very much felt by the youth of Mannar today. In fact, we will be also screening a short film written and directed by Kavivarman, a young filmmaker who has overcome his own personal challenges with the support of Bridging Lanka and whose work won the 2023 Kuviyam Mobile National Short Film Competition.

Join us at 6pm for a delightful social hour where you can mingle, meet the Bridging Lanka team and enjoy Sri Lankan-style canapés. Drinks, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase at the bar. The film screening will begin promptly at 7pm.

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the important work Bridging Lanka does on the ground in Mannar, Sri Lanka. This year, your financial contribution will help support young people pursue their education. Learn more about our latest project here: https://chuffed.org/project/10...