We believe Art is universal language and Spiritual and When you embrace it gives you a peace of mind. Art requires creativity, and creativity drives world-leading economies. Cinema is a perfect key to Art, which gathers different talents and required constance changes which takes us to innovations.

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 filmmakers
  • create connections between the U.S. film industry and the Sri Lankan film industry and
  • foster educational and cultural exchange between the two countries, with a focus on youth

Our Team

Founder/ President of CEYIFF

Aruni Boteju

Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director

Ruwani Horanage

Program Director

Sudesh Managodage

Creative Director-Sri Lanka

Jayasinghe Weerakkody

Media & External Relations

Mahil Senathirajah

International Relation

Vaithilingam Shanmuganathan

About CEYIFF

The Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization formed by Aruni Boteju, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. The focus of Ceylon International Film Festival is to promote Sri Lankan Cinema while opening up opportunities for Sri Lankan filmmakers to enter into the global standards of filmmaking by having an exposure to Hollywood. This also provides them with ample opportunities to exchange the global culture and immerse themselves in the creative landscape of filmmaking.

Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) is the first-ever Sri Lankan Film Festival Organized outside of Sri Lanka. CEYIFF is dedicated to presenting International and Sri Lankan Cinema to film lovers.

We are committed to promoting new filmmakers’ projects and showcasing their films to international audiences. Our mission is to screen independent films of all genres from all around the world.

The educational arm of the organization focuses on providing scholarships and other benefits to the filmmakers with the objective of encouraging them to strive in the filmmaking industry. Further, the educational arm also offers courses and training programs to help them sharpen the saw, using modern tools and innovations.

Master Class program for young filmmakers can be identified as another milestone of the organization where the two cents of experts are being given to the new bees, using virtual workshops and in-person workshops. This takes place in both countries, ensuring the exchange of customs and cultural knowledge that are indigenous.

The story of the International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival established by a single individual, Igor Blazevic, just over a decade ago, is a classic case study on how one can transform to reality and run a film festival even in a place with no facilities and infrastructure, but only an idea. First supported by a small NGO, People in Need, The One World Festival, presents over 100 documentary films during nine days in Spring from around the world. It was the catalyst for the Human Rights Film Network, which brings together 33 festivals from around the world. That example boards well for Aruni’s planned Ceylon International Film Festival, which has a head start with the support of the Santa Barbara Institutions and leading personalities, including the mayor, a big supporter of the effort. 

Santa Barbara, California, USA

Contact Us Here

Ceylon International Film Festival is located in Santa Barbara, California and you can contact us here: