Exploring masculine dimensions of Kandyan dance

Director Dulanga Gunarathna

Cinematographer Chathura Vimarsha Fernando

The Kandyan Dancer, (dance documentary film)  held its international premiere at the Asian Dance Conference 2025 organised by the National Asian Cultural Centre in the Republic of Korea. Representing Sri Lanka at this international conference, the documentary was produced by a dedicated creative and academic team. The project was led by Dulanga Gunarathna, who served as the Screen Choreographer, Researcher, and Director, with Isuru Sampath serving as the Co-Researcher and  main performer. Video production was done by Cinepiens Studio, video direction by Chathura Vimarsha Fernando, assistant director  Sasanka Perera,  cinematography by Dinuka Lakshan, narration  by Steven Machado,  post production by Thanushka Sanjaya Kahandawala at Arc Cinema and music by Dulipa Mendis in Manasa.
‘The Kandyan Dancer: Exploration of the Motion of Masculinity’ is a dance documentary that steps into the rarely explored masculine dimensions of Kandyan dance, uncovering its cultural depth through research and embodied practice.
This film is both an artistic offering and a call to safeguard one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured  traditions, recognising its potential as a future World Heritage legacy.

The documentary will be screened on  March 12 at 4.30pm  at  the International Centre for Ethnic Studies auditorium, Colombo.