Deep in the mountains, Sharadha, a Sri Lankan rebel, is seriously injured after attacking an army base and is rescued by the young monk Samitha. While Sharadha recovers in the temple, she and Samitha find their respective beliefs put to the test. Can a rebel woman and a young monk, who embody collective action seeking freedom from oppression and an individual meditation in pursuit of inner freedom, essential needs for survival and uncontrollable desire, coexist in peace in the same space? Anuruddha Jayasingha transforms the conflicts and ripples experienced by the characters hiding away in the mountain temple, while the danger of the civil war and the threat of wild beasts lurk outside, into an immersive cinematic experience. The sweeping view of Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes and the images of the cave temple filmed with limited sunlight are woven together beautifully, thanks in large part to the cinematographer, Chris Sebastian Joys.
Anuruddha Jayasingha is a Sri Lankan filmmaker based in Canada who began his career directing television shows. His feature debut, Sankranthi (2006), screened at the International Film Festival of India in Goa. Bombs and Roses (2015) received the Silver Award for Creative Script Writing at the SIGNIS Film Awards, while The Frozen Fire (2018) won several awards at the Sri Lankan Presidential Film Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
From Busan International Film Festival 2026, No. 31
