Connect with us

Life style

The poem Neruda never wrote

Published

on

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Island, film maker Asoka Handagama shares the story behind his latest film- Alborada (The Dawning of the Day) inspired by the celebrated poet Pablo Neruda’s stay here as the Chilean Consul. The film is to be internationally premiered at the 34th edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival opening on October 30.

by Randima Attygalle

It is the year 1929. Young Chilean poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda whose fame preceded him arrives in the British-occupied Ceylon as the Chilean Consul. By then Neruda, had already become an international literary celebrity. His work, Twenty Love Poems and Song of Despair was among the bestselling books of poetry in the 20th century. He was called ‘the poet of the people, the oppressed and the forgotten.’

The activist-Consul arrives in Ceylon, barely 25 and empty-handed except for his memory of the disengaged relationship with his former Burmese lover, Josie Bliss. She was obsessively devoted to Neruda and possessed by an overwhelming jealousy. Neruda who called Josie ‘a love terrorist’ and ‘a species of Burmese Panther’ would document in his memoir: (completed shortly before his death in 1973) ‘Sometimes a light would wake me, a ghost moving on the other side of the mosquito net. It was Josie, flimsily dressed in white, brandishing her long, sharp knife. It was she, walking round and round my bed, for hours at a time, without quite making up her mind to kill me. When you die, she used to say to me, my fears will end.’

While his ‘Bliss’ was turning into a taunting jealousy, Neruda receives a cable from Santiago informing him of his immediate transfer to Ceylon. Welcoming his emancipation from his lover, Neruda settles in a beach-front cottage in Wellawatte and is taken care of by a man servant.

He attempts to bury his memories in the vast tropical shores and takes refuge in an atmosphere of solitude he creates for himself. In his memoir is a chapter dedicated to his stay in Ceylon titled Luminous Solitude where he writes: ‘each morning I was overpowered by the miracle of newly cleansed nature.’

Neruda was soon found in the artistic inner circles of Colombo. He was acquainted with Lionel Wendt and George Keyt. The young Chilean poet had a bevy of female admirers whom he called ‘dusky and golden girls of Boer, English and Dravidian blood.’ They bedded him ‘sportingly, asking for nothing in return,’ as he documents.

The young diplomat was infatuated with a Tamil woman of a low caste who came every day at dawn to clean his outdoor latrine. He found her to be the most beautiful woman he had seen in Ceylon. To win her attention, Neruda left her gifts of fruit or silk on the path leading to the latrine, but she took no notice of them. One day he gripped her by the wrist and stared into her eyes. ‘Unsmiling, she let herself be led away and soon was naked in my bed. Her waist, so very slim, her full hips, the brimming cups of her breasts made her like one of the thousand-year-old sculptures from the south of India. … She kept her eyes wide open all the while, completely unresponsive. She was right to despise me. The experience was never repeated.’

The act became a subject of international scrutiny in later years, even prompting a reassessment of the Nobel Laureate’s merit. Neruda who was celebrated as ‘the greatest poet in the 20th century in any language’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez was even labeled a ‘rapist’. Activists challenged his documentation of ‘she let herself be led away’ as a blatant lie. The decision to rename Chile’s busiest Santiago International Airport after Neruda was met with outrage from human rights activists who argued that the honour was inappropriate for a man who admitted to rape in his own memoirs.

“Although there are many accounts of Neruda’s life portrayed in fiction and film, this part of the story is often carefully left out. Though his poems about love outwardly sound romantic, they hide within them the eroticization and objectification of women and particularly, women of colour,” reflects the film-maker Asoka Handagama whose latest film Alborada (The Dawning of the Day) is an elaboration of Neruda’s controversial sexual assault.

The film which is to hold its world premiere in Tokyo (Oct. 30 – Nov. 8) is a fictionalized account of Neruda’s stay in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) from 1929 to 1931 as the Chilean Consul. The film explores the psychological and the emotional factors behind Neruda’s attraction to a woman bound by her caste: a woman considered to be ‘untouchable’, unknown to her playing a part in a bizarre fantasy that ended in a sexual assault.

A fan of Neruda’s poetry, Handagama found the poet’s mixed element of art and controversy a tempting subject for a film script. The script which was inspired by Neruda’s Memoirs is a fruit of 10 years of research on the poet. Handagama left his position as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank three years before his formal retirement age to complete what he calls his ‘dream film.’

A rebel himself with his cinematic expression, Handagama intrepidly unearths the famed poet’s often interred infamous chapter in what he calls an ‘ironic act.’ “It is ironic that an Asian film-maker, coming from a so called restrained cultural landscape is throwing light on Neruda’s sexual antics when all the while Western cinema makers and fiction writers chose to leave them out in the exposition of him,” smiles Handagama.

Reference to Neruda’s Burmese lover Josie Bliss in his poetry is plenty although she is widely regarded as a figment of the poet’s imagination, notes the film maker. “The depiction of her as a perceived threat, a desire and barbarity in his poem Widower’s Tango, combined with his confession show Neruda’s complicated relationship with women and race.” However, no poem of Neruda’s alludes to the ‘untouchable woman’ by whom he was smitten, despite being described as the ‘most beautiful Ceylonese woman’ or one resembling a ‘thousand-year-old sculpture’ from South India. Handagama’s tagline for his film, The poem Neruda never wrote validates this exclusion. It is also an allegorical reminder of the poet’s element which many tended to discount.

Alborada reinvents the rustic west coast of the island Neruda saw in the 1930s. This was no easy task says its creator. “We had to recreate Wellawatta of his time and this was not possible within Colombo due to the changing skyline. We set it up in Nonagama and in Ranminithenna Tele-Cinema Village.”

Lending a cinematic interpretation to an isolated incident at home which is unfamiliar to the authentic Sri Lankan film print, Alborada is to be a refreshing new experience for the local audience. The film also hopes to spur a public discourse, says its director. Starring Spanish actor Luis J Romero as Neruda and French actress Anne Solene Hatte as Josie, the dialogues are in English with Sinhala and Tamil subtitles. The film also debuts several artistes. The main cast comprises Rithika Kodithuwakku (Tamil woman), Malcolm Machado (Neruda’s man servant), Dominic Keller (Lionel Wendt), Nimaya Harris (Patsy), Thusitha Laknath, Kaushalya Mendis, Samantha Balasuriya, Kasun Perera and Kanchana Nandani. Edited by Ravindra Guruge, the film is produced by H.D. Premasiri.

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TokyoIFF) which will feature Alborada is among the invited films for its ‘international competition’ which is the highlight of the festival. Multi-award winning French screen and stage actress Isabelle Huppert will chair the competition jury. This year’s theme of TokyoIFF is ‘Crossing Borders’. “There are plenty of international film festivals today. But only 14 of them are regarded as ‘A-Grade film festivals. TokyoIFF is one of them and the only Asian festival to get this recognition so far,” remarks Handagama. This year’s festival will be opened with the world premiere of Clint Eastwood’s latest film Cry Macho.



Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Life style

Santhosh Narayanan is coming to Jaffna!

Published

on

“Sounds of the South – Yaazh Gaanam – A Santosh Narayanan Concert”

The biggest musical show in Jaffna will take place on September 30 2023 Tamil music fans from all over Sri Lanka will converge in Jaffna on September 30, 2023, for the biggest musical show in the peninsula. South Indian star Santhosh Narayanan who brought a different sound to Indian cinema will lead a galaxy of Indian and Sri Lankan performers harmoniously blending their talents on stage for a landmark concert from 6 pm at the Muttraveli Grounds adjoining the Jaffna Fort. The concert will be free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend and witness the grand event.

“The concert aims to celebrate the cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka through the universal language of music,” said Santhosh Narayanan. “It is our intention to bring together artistes from both Sri Lanka and India, including local talent from Sri Lanka, to create an unforgettable evening of harmony and unity.”

Santhosh Narayanan has had an array of performances that have earned him a multitude of awards since he made his debut as an independent music director in 2012. Music has no boundaries and the award-winning music director will be reaching out to music enthusiasts not only in Sri Lanka, but all over the world. The concert will also feature independent artists from across the world.

At the launch event held in Colombo recently, Santhosh Narayanan said, “Jaffna is a city with a unique cultural heritage and a rich history of music and art. I’m extremely grateful to the organizers of this event for giving an opportunity to all music lovers to enjoy a blissful evening.”

Continue Reading

Life style

Taste of Turkiye in Sri Lanka

Published

on

The Ambassador of Turkiye, Demet Sekercioglu, and Atif Sekercioglu,with two chefs from Turkiye,Volkan Gur and Banshan Eren, Turkish Airlines General Manager,Fatih Bozkurt at the launch

Turkiye food festival was unveiled at Courtyard by Mariott Hotel Colombo, recently in collaboration with the Embassy of Turkiye in Colombo and Turkish Airlines.This event was aimed to showcase the Turkiye ‘s rich and diverse cuisine to Sri Lanka.

This festival transported the diners to the land of Turkiye in all its magnificance.The event saw a ecclectic crowd of many dignitaries, ambassadors from Malaysia, Pakistan,members of parliament and other distinguished invitees who were present to experience this culinary journey ,

The two guest chefs Volkan Gur and Eren Barishan who were specially flown down used premium quality ingredients and delicacies, giving the diners an extraordinary experience of Turkish food,to compliment the moulhwatering dishes, a variety of Turkish desserts such as Backlova, walnut pudding and more were delightfully presented.

The General Manager of the Colombo Mariott Elton Hurtis said “We are thrilled to be able to bring international flavours from Turkiye and partner with the Embassy of Turkiye . Turkish Airlines and Mariott Bonvoy hotel in Turkiye.

Message of love and peace by Dervishes from Turkiye

The highlight of the evening was the speech made by the Ambassador of Turkiye Demet Sekercioglu. Excerpt

“At the opening speech she said. Tonight we celebrate one of the most vibrant elements of our cultural heritage: the Turkish cuisine.As a cuisine that has engaged with numerous civilizations throughout its centuries-old aculinary journey, the doors of Turkish cuisine open to the experiences of different religions, cultures and ethnicities living together.

I believe this unique feature of diversity makes Turkish Cuisine loved by food connoisseurs not only in Turkiye but also around the world.Turkiye boasts a rich gastronomic culture, with her culinary practices seamlessly reflecting her humanity, tolerance and aspiration for peace.

In today’s world where technology and urbanization foster disconnection and isolation, you can be sure that you will find a unique warmth and welcome at every door you knock on, in Anatolia.Our unmatched hospitality is demonstrated by the place we reserve to our guests on our table. We consider them as the Guest of God and cherish them as such.

Turkish culinary culture has also wonderful traditions in further fostering family and friendship bonds. We expect our family elders and guests to take the first bite. We even make sure they sit, right in the centre where they can be the heart of our gathering.In short, our meal times are a beautiful display of our love, generosity, solidarity and the joy of sharing life’s best moments.

Another remarkable aspect of our culinary tradition are the centuries-old recipes that heal both body and soul. The nutriments, herbs and spices grown in the rich Anatolian lands have been used not only for the treatment of diseases but also for their prevention, recipes have been formulated together with physicians.

But the magic of our cuisine doesn’t stop there. In a world grappling with the pressing issue of food insecurity, Turkish culinary tradition stands also as a solution to this global challenge. In fact, in Turkish cuisine almost every part of a product is used in the preparation of various dishes.In this respect, the principles of Turkish cuisine are in line with the basic philosophy of zero waste and are also valuable in terms of protecting the resources of our planet and healing the soul

Before concluding my remarks, she said .The event is so special because we are celebrating the five milestones this year the 75th anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka,

the Centenary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkiye,the 75th anniversary of the recognition of the independence of Sri Lanka by Turkiye.

– the 10th anniversary of the establishment of our Embassy in Colombo,

-and finally the 10th anniversary of the launch of T urkish Air- lines flights between Istanbul and Colombo.

The magnificient evenings culminated with a ‘Sufi dance with two whirling devishes who ttravelled from Turkiye for this special occasion to convey through their performances,the message of peace and love.  Pix by Thushara Attapatu

Managing Director of Abans, Aban Prestonje

General Manager of Mariott Hotel, Elton Hurtis

 

Continue Reading

Fashion

Major leap in men’s apparance

Published

on

By Zanita Careem

Male grooming is becoming one the most notable trends in contemopory times said Ramani Fernando,popular hairdresser and beautician of Ramani Fernando salons She says “men consider grooming, now as part of their daily lifestyle regime. The grooming industry has made it evident that grooming practices among men start with them taking care of thier skin hair and body. Increasingly men nowadays are seeking solutions to specific skin body and hair care problems”

The new generation of consumers, primarily Gen Z and millennials are willing to invest to keep themselves groomed

There is a crazy demand for cosmetic products with quick action. For this generation of men it is becoming important to get results quickly and with minimal effort, subsequently, quick action skin care and hairstyle products will continue to be in demand.

Men’s grooming is booming,, they are realizing the importance of proper skin and hair care and as a result there is a major demand for cleansers, moisturizers and anti aging products.

According to a study made by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons it was reported that during the last few years,there has been a major leap in men receiving injections, non -surgical minimally invasive treatments that can enhance thier look. Cosmetic for men,like creams, deodorants and fragrances are continuing to increase in popularity David Beckham, the English footballer who has set the standard for handsome and clean shaven look feels men’s grooming is important to keep up a good appearance.

Ramani Fernando talks on male grooming

Q Do you see a new trend in male grooming?

A Yes, there have been several trends in male grooming over the years, and these trends continue to evolve. Male grooming has become more mainstream and accepted in recent years as men are paying more attention to their personal grooming routines and appearance

Q Why have men become more aware of the importance of looking good?

A There are several factors contributing to the increased awareness of grooming among men:

Changing Social Norms

Traditional gender roles and norms have evolved, allowing men to express themselves more freely in terms of grooming and personal care. This has reduced the stigma around male grooming.

Media and Pop Culture

The media, including advertisements, movies, and television shows, often portray well-groomed and fashionable male role models. These representations influence societal perceptions of grooming.

Celebrities and Influencers

High-profile male celebrities and social media influencers openly discuss and showcase their grooming routines. This visibility encourages regular men to follow suit.

Increased Product Availability

The grooming industry has responded to the growing demand from men by developing a wide range of products tailored to their specific needs, from skincare to hair care to grooming tools.

Q Men are spending more on grooming products like oils balms an conditioners to keep their facial hair healthy? Your comments?

A I think its great that the male grooming industry has become more inclusive, recognizing that grooming is not limited to any specific gender. Many products are designed to be gender-neutral, and marketing is becoming more inclusive of diverse identities. Overall, male grooming products have evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of men in today’s society.

Q Skin care has become the main focus among men – Do you agree?

A Men’s skincare has gained significant attention and importance in recent years, and for good reason I believe. Skincare is not just about appearance, it’s also about health and hygiene. Proper skincare routines can help men maintain healthy skin, prevent issues like acne and skin dryness, and protect against environmental damage

Q Do men come for facials, manicure and pedicure?

A Yes they do! Men getting facials, manicures, and pedicures is a positive and increasingly common practice that aligns with the principles of self-care, hygiene, and personal grooming.

Q Do you recommend facial for men?

A Facial hair for men is a versatile and expressive aspect of personal grooming and style. Facial hair is a dynamic aspect of personal grooming, and its significance and style can vary greatly from person to person and culture to culture. Ultimately, the choice of facial hair style should align with an individual’s personal preferences, lifestyle, and comfort level, allowing them to feel confident and express themselves in a way that suits their personality and image.

Q Social media influence has significantly increased men’s approach to cosmetic treatments. Your opinion?

A The influence of social media on men’s approach to cosmetic treatments is undeniable. Social media platforms have played a significant role in shaping societal beauty standards, normalizing cosmetic procedures.

While I feel it has played a significant role in raising awareness, normalizing treatments, and increasing acceptance, it also comes with potential downsides, such as unrealistic beauty standards and misinformation. It’s crucial for individuals, regardless of gender, to approach cosmetic treatments with caution, conduct thorough research, and consult with qualified professionals.

Q Botox and fillers, non-surgical minimally invasive treatments. Are they common among men in Sri Lanka?

A The use of Botox and dermal fillers as non-surgical minimally invasive treatments has become increasingly common among both men and women worldwide, including in Sri Lanka. While the prevalence of these treatments can vary depending on cultural norms and individual preferences, there is a growing interest in such procedures in Sri Lanka, particularly among those who prioritize grooming and appearance for special occasions like weddings.

Q Good grooming is important on your wedding day? Why?

A Good grooming is indeed important on your wedding day for several reasons, and it extends beyond mere vanity. When you look your best, you tend to feel more confident. A wedding is a momentous occasion where you’ll be in the spotlight, and feeling confident can make a significant difference in how you carry yourself and enjoy the day

Q Ornate costumes and sparkling accessories clout achieve that wedding look? What do you think the groom should follow?

A Ultimately, the groom’s attire should make him feel confident and proud on his wedding day. It’s a significant moment, and the groom should choose an outfit that allows him to fully enjoy and participate in the celebration. Whether it’s a classic tuxedo, a traditional cultural outfit, or a more contemporary ensemble, the key is to ensure that the attire aligns with the groom’s preferences and the overall vision for the wedding.

Q Man of the moment on that great day? How to achieve this look?

A To achieve the “Man of the Moment” look on your wedding day, it’s essential to focus on various aspects of your appearance and demeanor.

Plan ahead, start early in your wedding preparation and give yourself ample time to choose your attire, accessories, and grooming routines. Avoid last-minute rush decisions.Choose the right attire select an outfit that complements the overall theme and formality of the wedding.

Ensure your attire fits perfectly. Consider getting a custom-made suit or tuxedo for a perfect fit.Coordinate with your bride to ensure your outfit matches or complements hers in terms of style and color.

Q What do you suggest as grooming tips for the groom?

A Grooming is an essential aspect of a groom’s preparation for his wedding day. The following tips will ensure a well-groomed and confident appearance on your wedding day.

Start a skincare routine.
Maintain facial hair style.
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Keep nails clean and trimmed.
Use suitable hair care products and style your hair
Groom eyebrows.
Maintain facial hair or clean shave.
Choose a subtle fragrance.

Continue Reading

Trending