Sri Lankan Project ‘Rabbit Hole’ Spotlights Social Divisions at Busan’s Asian Project Market

As a fervent supporter of groundbreaking cinema, I find myself deeply moved by the forthcoming project “Rabbit Hole” by Sri Lankan filmmaker Ilango Ram and producer Hiranya Perera. Having personally experienced the intricacies of social stratification in my country, I resonate profoundly with their aim to shed light on the Indian Tamil community in Sri Lanka’s tea plantations and their roles as domestic workers.


Film creators Ilango Ram (director) and Hiranya Perera (producer) plan to showcase their new film “Rabbit Hole” at the Asian Project Market in Busan. Their goal is to highlight and address the ongoing social class divisions within Sri Lanka through this project.

The project delves into the lives of Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, as well as their roles as domestic workers in middle-class homes, originates from Ram’s personal ties to this community. Seeing Tamil maids employed across Sinhalese households stirs a profound unease within him, leading to an authentic investigation of pain and frustration, as he shared with EbMaster.

“Through the Labyrinth” portrays the daily life of a middle-class Sri Lankan household, until they receive devastating news about their housemaid’s diagnosis with cancer. This revelation sets off a chain reaction of events that unveil deep-seated societal issues and culminates in a heartrending finale.

In his upcoming movie, Ram – who was awarded the special jury prize for “Tentigo” at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival – plans to explore the intricacies of human feelings and decisions made under intense pressure. He hopes that viewers will identify with the film’s characters, finding reflections of their own experiences instead of being guided in their interpretation. As he put it, “I want the audience to relate to the movie on a personal level.

Film producer Perera, known for “Tentigo”, views “Rabbit Hole” as a chance to raise the profile of Sri Lankan cinema. She believes it’s essential to share stories that resonate and offer a distinct viewpoint from our region on a worldwide stage. Additionally, Perera mentioned that this project aligns with her ambition to foster daring, non-traditional narratives that challenge norms.

Moreover, being a woman working in an industry predominantly run by men, I find a sense of kinship with this project’s essence. Its exploration of strength and overcoming obstacles echoes my personal experiences. (Perera)

The movie’s financial plan is fixed at a sum of $467,000, and they have already raised $177,000 towards it. Their intention is to start shooting the film in August 2025.

At the Asia Pacific Market (APM), Perera aims to establish collaborative relationships and broaden the reach of “Rabbit Hole.” Her goal is to present Sri Lankan cinema on a global platform, paving the way for future international partnerships and prospects. As she put it, “I hope to shine a light on Sri Lankan filmmaking, creating openings for future collaborations and possibilities.

Sri Lankan Project ‘Rabbit Hole’ Spotlights Social Divisions at Busan’s Asian Project Market

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2024-10-05 10:16