PRESS RELEASE -Ottawa Buddhist Society   

DOCUMENTARY FILM - 

ARTS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD: HERITAGE OF BUDDHIST ART OF SRI LANKA

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF CANADA, OTTAWA :
September 11th 2005 3:00pm

This enchanting documentary film is a Canadian product designed and produced by Dr. Daya Hewapathirane with technical support by Arjuna Samarakoon, of the federally incorporated professional organization called the Traveling Exhibition Service: Photo Images of Paintings in Historic Sites of South Asia.  The film provides a glimpse of the fascinating heritage of Buddhist art of Sri Lanka  focusing on some 300 exquisite paintings that represent a period that exceeds 2200 years, from 3rd century BCE to the 21st century.  They are reflective of varied art styles, approaches and traditions of Buddhist artists of Sri Lanka. This art work is found on ancient rock surfaces, walls, ceilings, doors, wooden surfaces, pottery and on textiles of historic sites and shrines. These ancient paintings provide a deep insight into the gentle and compassionate message of Buddhist art. 

Clear narrations by Apsara Hewapathirane describe the outstanding artistic products that adorn well known and many less well-known historic sites, scattered across the country. Among them are the famous historic sites designated by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites – Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Mahanuwara (Kandy). Buddhist cultural heritage is best reflected in these sites where paintings, sculpture, architecture, and other forms of fine arts were used profusely from very early times, as a way of expressing Buddhist sentiment.

The film presents succinct information and interpretations serving as an excellent resource for those familiar with Buddhist art and for those interested in delving more into this exciting visual cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Most ancient Buddhist works of art are known to generate inner calm, and evoke serene joy and emotion among people irrespective of their cultural background.  Buddhist paintings are some of the most gentle and sublime art of mankind. These are among the oldest surviving art of the historic period in the Indian subcontinent. Buddhism and the art associated with it had a transforming effect on the countries which it reached and, till today, the art heritage of Buddhism flourishes in the Asian continent.

While helping to stimulate a sense of pleasure and discovery, the film provides an aesthetic challenge resulting in a greater cultural awareness and discernment. It can be a pleasurable and exciting experience for those who value multi-culturalism,  to appreciate the richness of imagination, creativity and inspiration evident in the different art traditions and to enjoy the serene joy and emotions that these paintings help to generate. After-all, our sense of Canadian identity derives from an understanding of our shared cultures and the richness of our collective histories. This film helps to generate increased awareness of the richness of the Sinhela Buddhist cultural heritage, whilst stimulating intercultural dialogue celebrating both self-identity and pluralism. being Canadians of Sri Lankan descent, initiatives of this nature which Canada encourages, inevitably makes us feel good about being Canadian. Canada has been the meeting place of all cultures of the world and also a place where these cultures are well nurtured. Our sense of Canadian identity derives from an understanding of our shared cultures and the richness of our collective histories.     

The photographic images used in this documentary film are the collection of Daya and Sesath Hewapathirane. . Do not miss this enchanting documentary about a rich, fascinating and unique cultural heritage. For further information please visit: www.kalaava.com

 

Designed and Produced by: Daya Hewapathirane of the Traveling Exhibition Service, Brampton, Canada

Narrations by: Apsara Hewapathirane

Script by: Sesath and Daya Hewapathirane

Sounds - Tibetan Buddhist sounds and W.B. Makuloluwa

Photographs  by Daya and sesath Hewapathirane

 Photo Animation and related Technical Input by : Arjuna Samarakoon