“No reason why SL should not fare well in the international film scene”

Jeremy Irons

Versatile Hollywood actor Jeremy Irons, known globally for his performances in Lolita, The Lion King, Damage, Die Hard with a Vengeance, is currently on his first visit to Sri Lanka, giving life to a new role in a Sri Lankan production. The production, ‘Rizana – A Caged Bird’, another cinematic masterpiece by internationally acclaimed director and producer Chandran Rutnam, sheds light on the story of 17-year-old Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan migrant worker who was executed for alleged murder by the Saudi government back in 2013. Irons will play the role of human rights lawyer Julian Miles in the film. As one of the few actors who had received the Triple Crown of Acting – an Academy Award, a Tony Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards, Irons believes that an actor should always be true to their character. 

In a brief but exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, Irons spoke about his experience working on the sets of a Sri Lankan production and why Sri Lanka could fare well in the international film scene.
Excerpts ; 
QHow has your experience been so far while in Sri Lanka?
I have been here for around five days, and it’s very beautiful. Lots of wonderful wild jungle and very friendly people. There’s great weather and interesting food. I’m having a good time. I have around another two weeks here in Sri Lanka.
QWhat made you want to be a part of this film?
It was a very good script and a very important story. Plus, it’s an interesting character for me, and it allowed me to come to Sri Lanka. On top of that, there’s a good director who has done some interesting movies. 
QIs this your first experience in a South Asian movie?
Yes 
QHow is your experience working with a diverse team from Kollywood actors to Sri Lankan actors and a Sri Lankan film crew?
They are very good at what they do, so it’s very easy. The girl playing Rizana is an amateur actress, but she’s very much in touch with her own emotions, and I think it will be a great success in the film. The girl who plays another leading role is an experienced actress. So if you work with people who are good at what they do, it’s a great pleasure.
QWhat are three qualities that an upcoming actor should have?
Well, the film industry likes people with interesting looks. I think you should be a person in touch with emotions and who has the ability to allow their emotions to show in their face and actions. You must be humble and realise that you are serving the work, the story that you are telling and serving your character. You must work hard and learn techniques so people can hear you. You must watch people because they are the people you will be playing one day. You must not want to be famous, but be true to your character.
QSri Lanka wants to project itself as an international film destination. Do you think there’s potential for that?
Absolutely! All you have to have are great stories and people who can tell these stories well. We all have that within us. Stories are part of all our culture. I think we can do good by bringing stories that need to be told to the screen. There’s no reason why Sri Lanka should not fare well in the international film scene. 
QIf you get a chance, would you visit Sri Lanka again?
I’d love to! I’d love to bring my daughter-in-law, who loves elephants. 
Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi