Vasantha Obeysekera (1937–2017), was a Sri Lankan film director and screenwriter.
Early life and career
Kala Keerthi Vasantha Obeysekera who was regarded as one of the foremost film makers in the 70s decade graduated from the University of Ceylon in 1962. He served on the Editorial Staff of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited from 1964 to 1970. In addition to his editorial work, Obeysekera wrote several short stories during this period.
Obeysekera entered the film industry with Sath Samudura in 1967 which he co-wrote and worked on as assistant director; it was Sri Lanka's entry at the Moscow International Film Festival. In 1971 he was awarded a certificate in Cinematography by the Comité de libération du cinéma français.
1970s In the 1970s Obeysekera wrote and directed Ves Gaththo ("Masked Men") (1970), Valmathuwo ("Lost Ones") (1976), Diyamanthi ("Diamond") (1977) and Palangetiyo ("Grasshoppers") (1979). Palangetiyo won the Presidential Film Awards for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film.
1980s 1983's Dadayama ("The Hunt") also won the Presidential awards for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film. It was a commercial success as well. Obeysekera made Kedapathaka Chaya ("Reflections on the Mirror") in 1989 after a five-year break.
1990s and 2000s In the late-'90s, Obeysekera made Maruthaya ("The Storm") (1995), Dorakada Marawa ("Death at the Doorstep") (1998) and Theertha Yathra ("Pilgrimage") (1999). These also secured several OCIC and Presidential Awards.
Salelu Warama ("Web of Love"), Agni Warsha ("Rains of Fire"), Aganthukaya ("The Stranger"), and Sewwandhi were made in the 2000s.
Filmography He has directed 13 films across many dramatic genres.
No. denotes the Number of Sri Lankan film in the Sri Lankan cinema.
Released date No. Film 12 December 1970 234 Wesgaththo 2 April 1976 339 Walmathwuwo 28 May 1976 342 Diyamanthi 27 April 1979 417 Palagatiyo 20 May 1983 558 Dadayama 24 March 1989 687 Kedapathaka Chaya 9 June 1995 831 Maruthaya 2 December 1998 904 Dorakada Marawa 1 October 1999 922 Theertha Yathra 17 October 2002 990 Salelu Warama 7 April 2005 1048 Asani Warsha 7 December 2006 1080 Sewwandi 31 May 2007 1087 Aganthukaya
Death He died on 8 April 2017 in a private hospital in Colombo.
References