Ceylon International Film Festival

Celebrates its 3rd Annual Event with a
Grand Closing Night in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA — The 3rd Annual Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) proudly announces its grand finale, bringing together an extraordinary celebration of global cinema, cultural diversity, and artistic excellence. This year, the festival received an overwhelming 275 film submissions from over 45 countries, showcasing the diverse storytelling and creative visions of filmmakers from across the globe.

With an esteemed international jury panel that includes industry experts from both the United States and Europe, as well as Santa Barbara’s own City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez, the festival continues to foster cross-cultural connections and cinematic excellence.

Opening Day Highlights

The festival commenced with a vibrant opening night, setting the tone for a week of cinematic celebration. Over the course of the event, 30 carefully selected films will be screened, offering audiences a diverse array of genres, themes, and cultural perspectives.

A Spectacular
Closing Night
A Fusion of Cultures

The closing night promises to be an unforgettable evening, filled with performances that highlight the rich cultural tapestry of the South Asian region while celebrating the unique spirit of Santa Barbara.

This year, we proudly connect two paradises—Sri Lanka and Santa Barbara—through a cinematic bridge, celebrating 100 years of Spanish Days with a special tribute. The evening will feature performances by local talents, including the renowned Mariachi group Mariachi Perla De Jalisco and the Ballet Folklorico group Alma de Mexico. Under the direction of Georgina Rodriguez, Alma de Mexico, which was founded in 1989, has been a cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s cultural scene, with dancers ranging from ages four to twenty-five. The group’s performances beautifully preserve and share the vibrant traditions of Mexican folk dance.

Adding to the evening’s musical journey, local musicians Miguel Avila and 18-year-old prodigy Hanadisamar Jitani Trujillo will grace the stage. Hanadisamar, a multilingual talent from Mexico, has captivated audiences worldwide with her mastery of multiple instruments and her exceptional vocal performances.

South Asian
Cultural Showcase

The evening will also celebrate South Asian cinema and culture through the talents of Sri Lankan performers. Notable performances include those by Sri Lankan movie playback singer and actress Nirasha Eknayaka, who will be joined by Sudesh Managodage, program director for CEYIFF and a versatile music composer, singer, and union actor. Together, they will present a medley of Sri Lankan, South Indian, and Hindi cinema songs.

Sri Lankan dance performances will be highlighted by artists such as Melisha Mahakumara, Hasini Ruwanpathirana, and Eresha Fernando. These dancers, with their extensive experience and passion for traditional Sri Lankan dance, will bring the beauty and vibrancy of South Asian culture to life.

The evening will also feature a special performance by Ruwani Horanange, Managing Director of CEYIFF, alongside Sri Lankan actor and producer Keith Ranga. The duo, along with festival founder Aruni Boteju, will celebrate the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through their performances.

Celebration
and Awards

The night will culminate in a celebration of the festival’s award winners, honoring the best in film across multiple categories. The awards ceremony will be followed by a reception, bringing the 2024 Ceylon International Film Festival to a close until next year.

Join us for a night of cultural celebration, cinematic excellence, and community spirit as we conclude the 3rd Annual Ceylon International Film Festival.

About the
Ceylon International
Film Festival

Founded by Aruni Boteju, the Ceylon International Film Festival is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and South Asia through the art of cinema. The festival serves as a platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work and connect with a global audience.