These documentaries about Sri Lanka, an island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, show a rich tapestry of history, culture, natural beauty, and its complex past, marked by periods of colonization and internal conflict, that has left an indelible impact on the country’s identity.
Documentaries About Sri Lanka
A myriad of documentaries provides a lens through which one can explore the multifaceted facets of Sri Lanka. Whether delving into the civil war’s aftermath, examining cultural heritage, or spotlighting environmental issues, these films capture the essence of Sri Lanka.
No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka (2013)
No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka focuses on the final months of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009. The documentary alleges human rights violations, war crimes, and atrocities committed by both the Sri Lankan government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The title “No Fire Zone” refers to the areas designated by the Sri Lankan government as safe zones for civilians but which, according to the documentary, became sites of heavy shelling and military attacks during the conflict. The film relies on video footage, photographs, and testimonies to present a critical examination of the events that unfolded during the war’s closing stages.
The documentary gained attention for its portrayal of civilian casualties, the use of heavy artillery in areas with a high concentration of non-combatants, and the challenges faced by journalists and human rights workers attempting to cover and document the situation.
Wild Sri Lanka (2015)
Wild Sri Lanka is a nature documentary series that explores the diverse and rich wildlife found in Sri Lanka. The series provides you with an in-depth look at the island’s ecosystems, showcasing its unique flora and fauna.
Produced by the British natural history documentary series “Natural World” in collaboration with the BBC, “Wild Sri Lanka” originally aired in 2015. There are two seasons with the first three episodes of season 1 being:
- “The Monsoon Forest”: This episode focuses on the rainforests of Sri Lanka and the adaptations of the creatures living in this lush environment.
- “The Emerald Isle”: Exploring the country’s diverse landscapes, this episode covers everything from the coastal areas to the highlands, featuring the wildlife that inhabits each region.
- “Land of Lakes”: The final episode highlights Sri Lanka’s freshwater ecosystems, including its lakes and rivers, and the various species that depend on these habitats.
The series serves as a tribute to the biodiversity of the island and the importance of conservation efforts and is one of the best documentaries about Sri Lanka to watch if you have an interest in the wildlife and nature of the country.
Monkey Kingdom (2015)
Monkey Kingdom is a nature documentary film narrated by Tina Fey and the film follows the story of a toque macaque monkey named Maya and her family living in the ancient ruins of the Sri Lankan jungle.
The documentary provides an engaging and heartwarming look at the social structure and daily lives of these monkeys. Maya, the protagonist, is a low-ranking female who struggles for survival and better social standing within her troop.
The film combines stunning visuals with a compelling narrative to showcase the challenges and adventures faced by Maya and her fellow monkeys in their quest for survival, dominance, and family.
Demons In Paradise (2017)
Demons in Paradise explores the complicated and painful history of the Sri Lankan Civil War, which took place between 1983 and 2009. The film specifically delves into the experiences of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka during this tumultuous period.
Jude Ratnam, the filmmaker, is of Tamil descent and grew up during the civil war. “Demons in Paradise” is a personal and introspective documentary in which Ratnam attempts to reconcile with the complex past, addressing the atrocities committed by both the Sri Lankan government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization.
The film uses a combination of personal interviews, archival footage, and animation to tell the stories of those who lived through the war. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the lasting impact of the conflict on individuals and communities.
“Demons in Paradise” provides a nuanced and emotional perspective on a dark chapter in Sri Lanka’s history.
Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields (2011)
Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields was produced by Channel 4, a British television station, and it gained significant attention for its graphic and disturbing content. The documentary presented evidence of alleged war crimes and atrocities committed by both the Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE during the final stages of the civil war in 2009.
The footage included in the documentary was controversial, and the Sri Lankan government disputed its authenticity. However, international human rights organizations, including the United Nations, have called for investigations into the allegations presented in the documentary.
“Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields” contributed to the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding accountability, justice, and reconciliation in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Alexander Armstrong in Sri Lanka (2023)
Alexander Armstrong in Sri Lanka follows, as the title suggests, the presenter Alexander Armstrong as he heads on another adventure and journeys to the paradise isle of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka.
He first visits the Portuguese-built fortress town of Galle, which on a personal note is my favourite town in Sri Lanka. Armstrong’s travelogue spans the country’s regions and includes encounters with a revered guru, a Sri Lankan exorcism, and captive elephants.
He also explores the impact of civil wars, natural disasters, and the political crisis on the country’s people. This is one of the best documentaries about Sri Lanka that explores the country today from a travelogue style of reporting.
By Train Across Sri Lanka (2017)
By Train Across Sri Lanka explores what could be considered one of Asia’s most beautiful railway lines. The “Main Line” cuts through tea plantations and jungle, then passes Buddhist temples and relics of the British Empire.
In the 19th century, the British built a railway in what was then their colony of Ceylon. Their idea was to transport goods such as tea from the highlands to the port of Colombo.
Today it’s mainly only locals and tourists who use the so-called “Main Line.” The route is considered one of the most picturesque in the whole of Asia.
If you have an interest in train journeys in Sri Lanka and the highlands there then this is one of the best documentaries about Sri Lanka to watch.
Sri Lanka
From the lush landscapes and ancient ruins to the challenges of post-war reconciliation, these documentaries about Sri Lanka offer a compelling narrative of a nation striving to define its future while navigating the complexities of its past.
For more on the region have a look at the 10 best documentaries about India.
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