Anuruddha Jayasinghe Directs Liberating Debut Feature ‘Dhara’ in Sri Lanka
InFocus Film School Film Production Program graduate Anuruddha Jayasinghe recently completed his debut feature film, Dhara, a story of strength and resilience set in Sri Lanka. After graduating, Jayasinghe returned to his homeland to bring his vision to life. He collaborated with InFocus Cinematography Instructor Chris Joys, who joined as Director of Photography, to help shape the film’s visual storytelling.
About the Film Dhara
Jayasinghe describes Dhara as a profound story of liberation that resonates on both personal and universal levels.
“It’s about defining liberation through individual and collective actions,” he explains, rooted in his memories of the 1987-1989 insurgency in Sri Lanka, a time when conflict touched nearly every aspect of life. His own journey through periods of social unrest, marked by oppression and marginalization, deeply influences the story.
The film unearths two distinct paths to freedom: the revolutionary and the spiritual. “Revolutionary liberation seeks to overthrow oppressive systems, challenging the status quo and envisioning a society free from corruption and injustice,” he explains. “Spiritual liberation aims for enlightenment, transcending suffering and cycles of rebirth.”
This duality is the foundation of Dhara, blending these outer struggles for justice and societal reform with an inner search for personal peace and understanding. The two paths, though distinct, weave together in the narrative, illustrating how liberation can be both an act of defiance and a journey toward inner harmony. In Dhara, the characters must navigate between these worlds, each choice bringing them closer to their own understanding of freedom.
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Learning at InFocus Film School
Jayasinghe credits InFocus Film School with preparing him for Dhara’s production. He highlights lead Film Production Instructor David Michan for teaching him essentials skills in creating shot lists and schematics. This training streamlined his planning and kept the production efficient. Working with cinematography mentor Chris Joys also brought invaluable insights. Joys, whose family roots are in Kerala, India, had a deep understanding of South Asian culture, enriching their creative process.
“Chris’s expertise helped us craft a cohesive vision,” Jayasinghe says. Together, they developed a mood board to harmonize the visual storytelling.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Jayasinghe encourages future filmmakers to look beyond technical skills.
“Cultivate compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of literature, global politics, and human behavior,” he says, believing these qualities will bring depth to storytelling and help filmmakers connect with audiences around the world.
