The press conference for the Sri Lankan film “Riverstone,” directed by Lalith Rathnayake, was held on Saturday, 29 November at Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz. Screening in the Future Frame section of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival, the film follows three police officers escorting a young prisoner through the Knuckles Mountains in central Sri Lanka. Along their journey, personal doubts, ethical dilemmas, and tensions between duty, ethnicity, and humanity emerge. The cast includes Mahendra Perera, Shyam Fernando, Priyantha Sirikumara, Randika Gunathilaka, Ananda Kumaraunnahe, and Prabodini Chandrasena.
Born in 1972, Rathnayake has directed two feature-length films and is a recognized figure in Sri Lankan cinema. “Riverstone” is his second narrative feature following “The Other Half.” During the press session, he described the thematic focus of his film: “My film addresses political, public, and social issues in Sri Lanka. It is a taboo-breaking work that deals with police corruption in the country.”
Speaking about the film’s setting, Rathnayake noted, “The story takes place in central Sri Lanka. The location resembles the Zagros Mountains, though with much lusher vegetation.”
Reflecting on his participation in FIFF, Rathnayake said, “This festival is among the most prestigious, and I doubt anyone working internationally is unaware of it. Majid Majidi, Asghar Farhadi, and Abbas Kiarostami introduced me to Iranian cinema. They are my mentors, and I have been greatly influenced by them. I am thrilled to be in a place where such directors were born. The International Federation of Film Producers Associations recognizes the Fajr Film Festival as highly reputable, and I wanted to attend both for my professional résumé and to experience Iran firsthand.”
Held in Shiraz from November 26 to December 3, 2025, the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival continues to create a meeting point for international filmmakers and critics, offering a dynamic lineup of screenings, panels, and cultural activities.
