Jaffna International Cinema Festival Commences with Diverse Screenings

The 11th Jaffna International Cinema Festival (JICF) 2025, which began on 30 December 2025, is currently underway in Jaffna, showcasing a wide range of local and international films that address social, political, and human stories.

As part of the ongoing festival programme, the Sri Lankan documentary ‘32’, directed by Visakesa Chandrasekaram, is being screened today (01 January 2026) at 6.15 p.m. at Regal Cinema – Bronze Screen. The 75-minute documentary, released in 2025, focuses on the issue of custodial torture and the persistence of abusive interrogation practices in Sri Lanka.

The film draws attention to how certain ancient forms of punishment—historically depicted in Buddhist temple murals—continue to surface in modern policing, as evidenced through documented court cases. Among them is the landmark Sriyani Silva v. Iddamalgoda (2003) case, which exposed the brutal torture of a young detainee, Lasantha, and highlighted systemic failures within law enforcement institutions.

Nearly 25 years after the incident, the documentary follows Lasantha’s sister Amitha and her family as they recount their prolonged struggle to obtain justice. Through personal testimony and legal insight, the film examines the deep-rooted structural and colonial legacies that continue to influence policing practices in Sri Lanka.

The screening of ‘32’ reflects the broader objectives of the Jaffna International Cinema Festival, which aims to use cinema as a platform for dialogue on human rights, accountability, and social justice. The festival will continue until 04 January 2026, featuring screenings, discussions, and interactions with filmmakers and audiences.

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