Sri Lanka’s film industry wants scientific approach for film releases

Oct 23, 2017 (LBO) – A group of Sri Lankan film technicians and directors have requested the President to solve a problem created by an unscientific method of releasing and distributing films contrary to the National Film Corporation Act.

Local film artist’s alliance headed by Rohan Welivita, in a recent letter to the President has suggested a set of proposals that would lead to a solution. “If this strategy can not be adopted in the long term due to any reason, we appeal you to adopt this on an experimental basis for at least a year to assess its effectiveness.

” Welivita said. The proposals include; 1. The 3-distribution channels that are presently being utilized in operation without any scientific-basis be activated in a formal scientifically based system.

2. List out the exhibition theatres allocated to each of the 3-circuits separately. 3. Under no reason or circumstance should the thus allocated exhibition theatre be allowed to exhibit a film allocated to another circuit.



4. The films should be released according to the date of approval received by respective film from the Public Performance Board.



5. A film thus released, must be granted exhibition in all allocated exhibition period per day for a period of 2-weeks concurrently.

When and if such a legally assigned film is to be “pulled out” of an assigned exhibition theatre, all such stoppages must be based on a scientifically worked out system based on “hold-over figures” common to all films released for exhibition.

6. An agreement of release between the assigned circuit and the film producer must be signed at least 3-moths prior to the date of release.



This will allow the producer at least 10-weeks for the advertising and promotion campaign for the film. 7. The release of foreign films should be activated strictly in accordance with the National Film Corporation initial Act.