Film Heritage Foundation unveils rare reviews ahead of ‘Gehenu Lamai’ Cannes comeback

A restored gem from South Asian cinema is set to dazzle audiences at the Festival de Cannes. , the celebrated 1978 film by Sri Lankan auteur Sumitra Peries, is poised for its international comeback. Ahead of the screening, the Film Heritage Foundation has shared a rare archival document filled with glowing reviews the film received upon its original release.The post, shared via the Foundation’s official Instagram account, features an archival compilation of international and Sri Lankan press reactions preserved by Jérôme Baron, Artistic Director of the Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes. The reviews offer a vivid picture of the film’s critical acclaim and Peries’ unique cinematic voice.“A unique film,” wrote David Robinson of the London Times, noting that Gehenu Lamai introduced an “entirely new” cinematic language and a rare female gaze in the male-dominated world of South Asian cinema. Nigel Andrews of the Financial Times echoed the sentiment: “Eastern cinema has discovered a really promising new director.”The film, which explores the coming-of-age journey of a village girl and her quiet resistance against patriarchal norms, was hailed as emotionally rich and visually poetic. German critic Mannheimer Morgen called it “a delicate cinematic creation,” while Sri Lankan outlets praised its emotional depth and cultural authenticity.With her sensitive storytelling and refined directorial style, Sumitra Peries carved out a unique space in Sri Lankan cinema—one that blended realism with lyrical beauty. As highlighted in the Foundation’s post, critics were unanimous in acknowledging the powerful new voice she brought to the screen.The Film Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to restore and promote South Asian classics remain instrumental in reviving public interest. Their sharing of this archival treasure is not only a tribute to Gehenu Lamai’s legacy but also a celebration of regional cinema’s rightful place on the global stage.As the film prepares for its Cannes screening in restored glory, it serves as a timeless reminder of Sumitra Peries’ influence—a pioneer whose lens gave voice to untold stories and whose legacy is now being rediscovered by a new generation.