The documentary “Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines,” supported by the Pulitzer Center, claimed two accolades at the Second Jalgaon International Film Festival in India. It secured the titles of Best Social Film and Best Screenplay.
Captured in Sri Lanka in 2024 amidst the nation’s financial collapse, the documentary sheds light on the struggles of farmers and educators in a secluded village in the North Central province. Intertwined with these personal accounts are insights from policymakers, economists, and the former Prime Minister based in Colombo.
Crafted by Pakistani journalist and filmmaker Beena Sarwar in partnership with Sri Lankan historian and filmmaker Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita Delgoda, who jointly penned and directed the film, and researcher Uditha Devapriya, the documentary premiered in Colombo in July 2024.
Its debut showing occurred at the Barberyn Ayurveda resort in Weligama, southern Sri Lanka. The official premiere took place at a cinema in Colombo, under the auspices of Factum International, in July 2024, drawing a distinguished audience comprising ambassadors, political dignitaries, media personalities, scholars, and retired military personnel.
Subsequently, “Democracy in Debt” has been exhibited at more than 80 gatherings across 25 nations, including various U.S. locales like Boston and Buffalo, as well as cities in South Asia such as Karachi, Lahore, Jaipur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Dhaka, and Kathmandu.
