The Girls (Gehenu Lamai)

A young girl finds herself torn between duty and desire in this stunning Sri Lankan coming-of-age drama by pioneering filmmaker Sumitra Peries.

An adaptation of Karunasena Jayalath’s novel and recognised as the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival, The Girls tells the story of Kusum, a young villager who falls in love with her cousin Nimal, a boy from a wealthy family. Hindered by social conventions and the ambitions of Nimal’s mother, their relationship drives Kusum towards loneliness and renunciation.

Sumitra Peries’ groundbreaking Sri Lankan film offers a tender and transporting journey through young dreams and first loves. Peries, known as ‘the poetess of Sri Lankan cinema’, became the country’s first female director with this astonishing debut. She draws out natural, affecting performances from her cast, particularly Vasanthi Chathurani, who was still at school when she played Kusum – the role that launched a long screen career.