Malini Fonseka was awarded the prestigious Silver Peacock at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for her subtle, emotional turn as forgotten film star Sandhya Rani in "Akasa Kusum". At the 39th IFFI, held in the holiday resort town of Goa, Fonseka was also saluted for her four-decade career in cinema in the Special Jury Award. Director Prasanna Vithanage also attended the festival, which concluded last night (02 December 2008)."Ms. Malini Fonseka holds you from the first shot to the end of the film ," said the IFFI in its salultation. "You know right away that she is a diva whether you know Sri Lankan cinema or not. As the film unfolds, it is magical to see her younger film clips as a major star," it said.
Goa was the latest stop for the film, which is now garnering increasing popularity in the world festival circuit, following its October World Premiere in Pusan. The movie has been screened in New York, where actress Nimmi Harasgama said Fonseka's performance earned raves, garnering a great emotional response from its audience.
"Akasa Kusum" will continue its international rounds, slated for screenings at festivals in Palm Springs and Tiburon in the United States, Granada in Spain and the Brisbane International Film Festival in Australia.
More on the net:
News story on BBC Sandeshaya
Story, pictures on dajiworld.com
