Sri Lanka
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India
UK
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Sri Lanka’s Only International Film Festival to Screen Over 60 Films from 16 Countries
The Jaffna International Cinema Festival (JaffnaICF), the only international film festival currently held in Sri Lanka, will take place for the 11th consecutive year from 30 December 2025 to 04 January 2026 in Jaffna.
Recognised as a vital nonpartisan cultural platform, JaffnaICF continues to celebrate independent cinema while fostering cultural exchange, harmony, and mutual understanding through film. The festival also places strong emphasis on nurturing young filmmakers, showcasing debut works and short films alongside acclaimed international productions.
Organisers and Partners
The festival is presented by Agenda 14, in collaboration with Ceylon Theatres, with the University of Jaffna serving as the academic partner.
Other partners for JaffnaICF 2025 include the Goethe-Institut, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre – High Commission of India, British Council, Film Society – University of Jaffna, Kälam – A Space for Cultural Encounters, and the Federation of Film Societies – Asia Pacific Section.
Festival Venues
Screenings and events will be held across three main venues in Jaffna:
Regal Cinemas – Cargills Square
Kälam – A Space for Cultural Encounters
Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre
Opening Ceremony and Film
The opening ceremony of JaffnaICF 2025 will take place on 30 December 2025 at 6.15 p.m. at the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.
The festival will open with the screening of The Elysian Field (2025 | India | 02:03:00), directed by Pradip Kurbah.
Global Line-up: Over 60 Films
More than 60 films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films, will be screened during the festival. Participating countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.
Retrospective and Special Screenings
This year’s film retrospective honours legendary Indian filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, marking his birth centenary. A special Masterclass titled “The Life and Work of Ritwik Ghatak”, conducted by Prof. Ankuran Dutta, will be held on 31 December 2025 at the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.
In addition, the acclaimed Sri Lankan film Sulanga Enu Pinisa (The Forsaken Land) (2005), directed by Vimukthi Jayasundara, will be screened to commemorate 20 years since its release and its historic Caméra d’Or win at the Cannes Film Festival.
Closing Film
The festival will conclude on 04 January 2026 at Regal Cinema, Cargills Square, Jaffna, with the world premiere of Sanda Dadayama (Moon Hunt), directed by renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker Asoka Handagama.
