Burning Birds is Sri Lankan film written and directed by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara. The film world premiered at 21st Busan International Film Festival (2016) under its New Currents Competition.
In a small village in Eastern Sri Lanka in 1989, after her husband was abducted, tortured and murdered by a paramilitary group, 37 year old Kusum has to fight to look after her eight children and mother-in-law all by herself. After a series of unsuccessful odd jobs, where she is constantly abused physically and sexually, Kusum falls into prostitution. Soon the Police arrest her in a brothel. This event adversely affects her children's schooling. Her revengeful reaction unfolds thereafter.
1989. A small village in Eastern Sri Lanka. After her husband is abducted, tortured and murdered by state army, Kusum has to fight to look after her eight children and mother-in-law all by herself. After a series of unsuccessful odd jobs, where she was constantly abused physically and sexually, Kusum fells into prostitution. Soon the Police arrest her in a brothel. When the school hears about their mothers misadventure, the children are thrown out. From there, the whole family will try to survive the tragedy.