"Akasa Kusum" Signs With American Distribution Company

Wonderphil Productions, a California-based independent film production and distribution company, has bought the worldwide distribution rights to "Akasa Kusum." However, Wonderphil does not hold the rights to the film in India and Sri Lanka. This is the first time that a Sri Lankan film has been picked up for distribution by an American company.

An agreement was signed by Sarasavi Cineru and Wonderphil in mid-April, granting the US company the rights to market and distribute the film in all territories except India and Sri Lanka. The agreement covers all media, including cinema, DVD, television and other media.

"Akasa Kusum" was seen by Wonderphil Productions' Acquisition Manager, Sanders Robinson at the Tiburon Film Festival in February, where he "thought it was very well made with impressive performances." He went to his boss, Phil Gorn, and suggested they acquire the property.

Meanwhile, plans are underway for the domestic Sri Lankan release of "Akasa Kusum" in July 2009. As reported earlier, the film will be released to 22 cinemas across the country, in the CEL Circuit.

Akasa Kusum Eyes July Release in Sri Lanka; Malani Fonseka to Embark on World Tour

On the back of a successful international film festival run, director Prasanna Vithanage and the producers of "Akasa Kusum" are planning an early July release of the film in Sri Lankan cinemas. The movie will be released in 22 centres across the country on the CEL circuit, including Regal, Colombo.

A few selected cinemas, including Regal, will run the film with English subtitles.

Following the Sri Lankan release of "Akasa Kusum," its star Malini Fonseka will embark on a world tour celebrating 45 years in the Sinhala Cinema. "Akasa Kusum," for which she won the coveted Silver Peacock Award, is her 150th film. Fonseka will be travelling across the globe, to felicitations and screenings in several countries, including the United States, UK, Italy and Australia.

Meanwhile, the new Sri Lanka trailer of "Akasa Kusum" will be released into theatres shortly. You can watch the new trailer here.

The film continues its popular run on the film festival circuit and will screen at the Persistence Resistance festival of contemporary political films in New Delhi. "Akasa Kusum" will screen in the prime time slot of 8:30 p.m. at the India International Centre on 19 April (Sunday).