The Girls (PG)

Dir Sumitra Peries/LK 1978/113 mins/Sinhala wEng ST Vasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa

Sumitra Peries’ groundbreaking Sri Lankan film offers a tender and transporting journey through young dreams and first loves. Kusum, a poor but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family, sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son. Soma, Kusum’s younger sister, pursues beauty pageants and dreams of acting, believing it’s her best chance of a better life. What unfolds is a lyrical and poignant coming of age story, brimming with yearning and feminine sensibility.

Sumitra Peries, known as ‘the poetess of Sri Lankan cinema’, became the country’s first female director with this astonishing debut. She draws out natural, affecting performances from her cast, particularly Vasanthi Chathurani, who was still at school when she played Kusum – the role that launched a long screen career. The Girls was crowned the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival. Beautifully restored in digital 4K, it feels just as fresh, illuminating and moving today.