A Study on the Decline in Women’s Contribution to the Technical Aspects of the Sri Lankan Cinema

Abstract

The motion picture has already become one of the most powerful mediums. At present, the motion picture has encompassed a wide range both artistically and industrially. Therefore, it is evident that there can be found professionals involved in cinema irrespective of gender discrimination. However, questions arise as to whether both males and females equally contribute to the local cinema. It is clear that the Sri Lankan cinema has a history of 74 years. The objective of the study is to examine whether there is a decline in the women's contribution to the local cinema. It was revealed that 1500 films have been screened from 1947 to 2021. Women's contribution to the local cinema has been confined to acting and music. It is significant to mention that women's contribution to other areas such as ancillary features, directing, producing, editing, art directing, costume designing, VFX, sound designing, and music direction has been restricted. According to the findings which were obtained through interviews, discussions, literally sources and primary sources such as films, the cultural restrictions on women, physical and social factors had limited the women's freedom. It can be said that both males and females equally possess creative spirit. Therefore, the significance of this study is to inspire women to go beyond the long-established barriers for their active involvement in cinema.