The Girls

Gehenu Lamai

This sensitive portrait of women’s status in Sri Lanka is a key work by pioneering filmmaker Sumitra Peries.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Director-screenwriter

    Sumitra Peries

  • With

    Wasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa, Jenitha Samaraweera

  • Sri Lanka 1978. 110min

  • Courtesy of

    BFI Distribution

  • Language

    Sinhala

    With English subtitles

Introduction

An adaptation of Karunasena Jayalath’s novel and recognised as the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival, The Girls tells the story of Kusum, a young villager who falls in love with her cousin Nimal, a boy from a wealthy family. Hindered by social conventions and the ambitions of Nimal’s mother, their relationship drives Kusum towards loneliness and renunciation.

Julie Pearce

Restored in 4K in 2025 by Film Heritage Foundation in association with Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries Foundation at L’immagine Ritrovata laboratory.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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