9 international movies that will make you fall in love with Sri Lanka.
If you have clicked on this post, there are three things we know about you already.
- You love movies.
- You love travelling and
- You are AWESOME 😉
Sri Lanka is known for many things — tea, exotic beaches, wildlife, fresh fruits, hospitality, culture and UNESCO heritage sites, religious temples and more. Not many know that it’s also a favorite destination for moviemakers. Thanks to the size of the country coupled with varying climate and landscape, this island is a movie makers dream! The first movie to be shot in Sri Lanka was in 1925. Directed by Henry Edwards, the movie ‘One Colombo Night’ paved way for international film directors to consider this pearl island as a set for their movies. Before we jump to post on the 9 international movies that will make you fall in love with Sri Lanka, here are some of the quotes from famous film makers, writers and directors about Sri Lanka.
“The whole of Sri Lanka is a film set” — Sir Carol Reed, British Film maker & Academy Award winning director
“I’m a Canadian citizen. But I always want to feel at home in Sri Lanka. I’m a member of both countries.” — Author Michael Ondaatje
“The Island of Sri Lanka is a small universe, it contains as many variations of culture, Scenery and climate as some countries a dozen times its size.” — Sir Arthur C Clarke, science fiction writer, The View from Serendip (1977)
“Entire Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) Is a Movie Set” — Don Boyd Director East of Elephant Rock (1977)
According to IMDB, there are over 56 international movies shot in Sri Lanka. Here is a list of 9 movies we love that were shot here. Another reason to love Sri Lanka? We say yes!
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Although the movie is about Thailand, most of it was shot near Kitulgala, Sri Lanka.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
The film was initially planned to be shot in India. Indian government found the script offensive and had asked for numerous script changes. To avoid further delay, Kandy in Sri Lanka was chosen as the destination. If you want to visit Kandy, here is a curated Sri Lanka holiday package.
Elephant Walk ( 1954)
Elephant Walk is a Paramount Pictures film based on the novel Elephant Walk by “Robert Standish”. Filming began in Sri Lanka in February 1953 and was shot here for four weeks.
Paradise Road (1997)
Paradise Road is a story from World War II. The movie is about a group of women who are imprisoned in Sumatra and depicts how people with the help of moral support make it through.
Mr. and Mrs. Edgehill (1985)
One of the finest BBC drama productions in 1985, Sri Lanka became the location for Mr. and Mrs Edgehill. One year after the shooting, Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy another UK production was shot in Sri Lanka.
Outcast of the Islands (1951)
The Outcasts of the Islands was directed by the famous filmmaker Carol Reed based on a novel by Joseph Conrad. It was shot in Sri Lanka and was also nominated for best British film.
Mother Teresa (2003 TV Movie)
Starring Olivia Hussey, Mother Teresa was an Italian production filmed in Sri Lanka and Italy. For one scene, The Fort Railway station of Colombo was emptied on a quiet Sunday so as to transform the location to look like Calcutta half a century ago.
The Sleeping Dictionary (2003)
Although most part of the movie was shot in Kuching, the scene showing the lagoon and some Buddhist ancient ruin along with the country side was shot in Sri Lanka.
Beyond Rangoon (1995)
This is a drama film shot in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Based on a true story, the movie is about a girl and her attempt to escape Thailand.
Do you know any other movies that were shot in Sri Lanka? Which is your favorite one?
Ichiqoo helps you to travel and see Sri Lanka like a local! Write to us at info@ichiqoo.com and we would be happy to curate your trip. See Asia differently!
Originally published at ichiqoo.com on May 23, 2017.
