In an unforgettable moment at the Busan International Film Festival 2023, filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage’s international masterpiece, ‘Paradise,’ claimed the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award for the Best Film.

Celebrating the Legacy of Kim Jiseok

The Kim Jiseok Award, established in 2017, is a tribute to the late Kim Jiseok, an individual who devoted his life to the discovery and advancement of Asian cinema. This esteemed award is presented to the two most outstanding films that embody the essence of contemporary Asian cinema, honoring the late Kim’s vision.

South Asia Premiere at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival

‘Paradise’ is now set to make its South Asia premiere at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, featuring in the ICONS: SOUTH ASIA section. The festival is scheduled to captivate audiences from October 27th to November 5, 2023.

A Collaboration of Excellence

This cinematic gem is produced by Newton Cinema and proudly presented by the renowned Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies, marking their first-ever collaboration.

Stellar Cast and Crew

‘Paradise’ boasts an ensemble of exceptional talents. Starring Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran, Shyam Fernando, and Mahendra Perera, the film is brought to life by a team of luminaries, including Rajeev Ravi as the cinematographer, Sreekar Prasad as the editor, Tapas Nayak as the sound designer, and K as the music director.

Unveiling Truths in Sri Lanka

Shot against the picturesque backdrop of Sri Lanka, ‘Paradise’ weaves a poignant narrative around the journey of a tourist couple. Their exploration unveils the intricate struggles they face, encompassing societal, personal, and internal challenges. Through their experiences, the film delves into the profound truths of human nature.

Prasanna Vithanage’s Gratitude

The renowned filmmaker, Prasanna Vithanage, expressed his gratitude, stating, “After 28 years today, it is ironic to receive this award named after the late Kim Jiseok. Kim was a dear friend to all Asian filmmakers. Kim, I am honoured to take you to my home. I would like to thank you, my dear producer, Anto Chittilappilly and Newton Cinema, our presenter Mr Mani Ratnam, Madras Talkies, and the cast, and crew of Paradise. This award belongs to you.”

Mani Ratnam’s Vision

Mani Ratnam, the visionary behind Madras Talkies, shared his thoughts on the film, saying, “When there is turmoil in paradise, both social and economic, when there is a re-evaluation of man-woman relationships, when an old epic gets reflected in today’s troubled times, we have ‘Paradise,’ a film with a vision.”

Anto Chittilappilly’s Confidence

Anto Chittilappilly, CEO of Newton Cinema, expressed optimism, stating, “Our world premiere at Busan resulted in winning the Kim Jiseok Award for the Best Film. Everyone at Newton Cinema is on ‘Cloud Nine,’ and we believe this victory will propel the film to audiences worldwide. We are confident that audiences everywhere will enjoy the film as much as our sold-out audiences did in Busan.”

In conclusion, ‘Paradise’ not only captivated the hearts of the audience at Busan but also stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kim Jiseok. The film’s journey, from the bustling streets of Busan to the serene landscapes of South Asia, is one that promises to leave a profound impact on all those who have the privilege of experiencing it.