Summaries

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.

Details

Keywords
  • female nudity
  • arrest
  • crying woman
  • man slaps a woman
  • multiple rape
Genres
  • Drama
Release date Jun 28, 2018
Countries of origin France Sri Lanka
Language Sinhala
Production companies Doha Film Institute Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Cinéfondation Residence

Box office

Budget $450000

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 24m
Color Color
Sound mix D-Cinema 48kHz 5.1
Aspect ratio 1.85 : 1

Synopsis

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.

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