Sand(HKAFF2023)

Special Jury Award, International Film Festival Rotterdam
Asian Film Competition, Bengaluru International Film Festival
Melbourne International Film Festival

Winner of a Special Jury Award at the 2023 International Film Festival Rotterdam, this powerful drama explores post-civil war life in Sri Lanka. Rudran, an ex-Tamil militant, is released from military detention and begins a search for his old flame Vaani, who disappeared during the war. Rudran’s mother is a Hindu soothsayer who helps locals divine the fate of their loved ones, but she refuses to do the same for Vaani. Facing both physical and legal ailments, Rudran turns to spiritual means to resolve his unease. Director, academic and human rights lawyer Visakesa Chandrasekaram brings intense humanity and authenticity to this portrait of lives irreparably damaged by years of war.