Our Mission
We believe that the stories we tell through film can positively impact our world. The mission of CEYIFF is to:
- Expose U.S. audiences to Sri Lankan and other international films.
- Support Sri Lankan and International filmmakers.
- Create connections between the U.S. film industry and the Sri Lankan film industry.
- Foster educational and cultural exchange between the two countries, with a focus on youth.
“1st
Ceylon
International
Film Festival a
Success!”
In June of 2022, the 1st Ceylon International Film Festival launched in Santa Barbara at the Lobero Theater to much fanfare. It was the first film festival to feature films from Sri Lanka (previously known as Ceylon) outside the country. It received local and international press attention, congressional recognition with a reception attended by local and Sri Lankan dignitaries, including the Sril Lankan Consul General.
Eleven films were shown over three days, including free community screenings. CEYIFF 2022 concluded with a gala evening in which 20 awards were presented and renowned jazz pianist Mahesh Balasooriya played a set.
CEYIFF founder, Aruni Boteju, traveled to Sri Lanka to present the awards in person at formal ceremony attended by the Sri Lankan film industry as well as the US Ambassador to Sril Lanka.
CEYIFF 2020 achieved its goals of exposing U.S audiences to Sri Lankan film, supporting Sri Lankan film makers and “creating a bridge from one paradise in the Indian Ocean to another paradise on the Pacific Ocean”.
We look ahead toward making CEYIFF 2023 even better!
Founder of Ceylon International Film Festival Aruni Boteju receiving the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Salud Carbajal.
Ruwani Horanage Managing Officer of CEYIFF, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Aruni Boteju Founder of CEYIFF with Sudesh Managoda Program Director of CEYIFF.
Our Sponsors
Our Media Sponsors
