Dir. Sumitra Peries
1978 | 110 mins | Sri Lanka | Sinhala with English subtitles
Vasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa

Showing Times

• Fri 11 Sep: 5.30pm
• Wed 16 Sep: 2pm
• Thu 17 Sep: 5.20pm

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Sumitra Peries’ (‘the poetess of Sri Lankan cinema’), groundbreaking debut offers a tender and transporting journey through young dreams and first loves, in this beautiful restoration.

Kusum, a poor but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family, sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son. Her sister Soma pursues beauty pageants and dreams of acting, believing it’s her best chance of a better life. What unfolds is a lyrical and poignant coming of age story, brimming with yearning and feminine sensibility.

Peries became the country’s first female director with this astonishing debut, praised for inspiring natural and affecting performances from her cast, particularly Vasanthi Chathurani, who was still at school when she played Kusum – the role that launched a long screen career.

The Girls was crowned the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival. Beautifully restored in digital 4K, it feels just as fresh, illuminating and moving today.

BBFC Rating
Rated PG – mild sex references, suicide references

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix

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