Lost in Language (Short Film)

நாநலம் என்னும் நலனுடைமை அந்நலம்
யாநலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று (Thirukkural 641)
(The real asset is the gift of speech. That gift is a class apart from all other gifts.)

"19:53 - Lost in Laguage:" is a short film that everyone who ever experienced a (permanent) stay in a foreign country, may relate to. Chamath's hurdles trying to call an ambulance, while not speaking German yet, is a parallel to what many people can feel, when not being able to express themselves, neither being capable of understanding the counterpart. Especially when you think everyone in Germany speaks English, which is not the case, even in emergencies.

But it is not only a short film about language barriers- it also serves as a powerful reminder of the monumental significance of language rights and the devastating consequences of linguistic discrimination. Subliminally, it mirrors historical struggles, echoing the impact of the 1953 Sinhala-only Act on Tamil speakers. Chamath's story explores the pain of language barriers, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusivity and understanding in a world that imposes unnecessary obstacles based on language differences.

Our Goals:

• To emphasize the emotional impact of being unable to communicate in your native language.
• To illustrate how language barriers can hinder effective communication in critical situations.
• To advocate for a more inclusive and diverse society that embraces multilingualism.
• To entertain people.

The target audience

• General public: We hope to raise awareness of the challenges faced by non-native speakers and promote empathy towards their experiences.
• People who are dealing and have dealt with communication problems.
• Younger generation of Sri Lanka: we want to encourage the youth to embrace and celebrate the linguistic diversity of their country, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

By supporting our project, you contribute to

• sharing Sri Lankan voices and perspectives in Germany and Europe.
• bringing a fresh narrative on Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict.
• promoting reconciliation between ethnic groups.
• making international students feel heard and seen.
• helping passionate students realize their visions.

The money will be used 100% for the realization of this short film production.

• Transportation and Travel Costs for the Actors and Crew
• Camera and Light Equipment
• Costume, Make-Up& Set Design
• Catering on Set
• Postproduction
• Allowance for the actors
• Submissions for Film Festivals