{"id":54325,"date":"2020-12-13T11:20:39","date_gmt":"2020-12-13T11:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=54325"},"modified":"2020-12-13T11:27:05","modified_gmt":"2020-12-13T11:27:05","slug":"nothing-funny-about-funny-boy-ihshan-iqbal-on-the-filming-of-funny-boy-in-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/nothing-funny-about-funny-boy-ihshan-iqbal-on-the-filming-of-funny-boy-in-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT FUNNY BOY Ihshan Iqbal on the filming of \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 in Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"innerheader\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT FUNNY BOY<\/span><\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #993366;\">Ihshan Iqbal on the filming of \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 in Sri Lanka<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54326\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/funnyboy4.jpg\" alt=\"NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT FUNNY BOY Ihshan Iqbal on the filming of \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 in Sri Lanka\" width=\"600\" height=\"410\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailymirror.lk\/news-features\/NOTHING-FUNNY-ABOUT-FUNNY-BOY\/131-201524\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daily Mirror\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><strong><big>It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history<\/big><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">We have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">Local directors need to stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54327 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history We have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal Local directors need to stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. Based on acclaimed writer Shyam Selvadurai\u2019s book of the same title, the coming-of-age film follows a young Tamil boy who explores his sexuality. His personal struggles however are depicted against the backdrop of the tensions building between Tamils and Sinhalese, on the cusp of the brutal three-decade civil war. Ihshan and Shyam on the sets of Funny Boy the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 deals with several controversial subjects. The book and the film offer rare insights to our island nation\u2019s violent history as well as homosexuality. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted many criticisms even before it\u2019s release since the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars. Much has been said about the film, the cast, the criticisms and the challenges. Daily Mirror Insight spoke to young Sri Lankan filmmaker Ihshan Iqbal about what it was like behind the scenes of Funny Boy. Second Assistant Director (AD) Vamsi Krishna Ihshan, Third AD Prasad Pereira &amp; First AD Reid Dunlop A career in film is not a natural choice in Sri Lanka, especially for those with no family ties or other connections to the industry. What was it that drove Ihshan towards the film, we asked. \u201cAll this started when I volunteered for the Colombo Film Festival in 2015. It wasn\u2019t random but I would say it was the universe giving me a chance. I met a few like-minded people with whom I still collaborate, my Editor Trilan Shastri, and my Cinematographer Sandaruwan Abeysinghe. My first commercial job was a TV commercial for a milk brand called ARLA. I got a call from Pearly Hanan, who wanted me to come and meet the Line Producer Lylie Almeida. They gave me my first job. Being hired as a Set Production Assistant, was something amazing where I got to learn about each department and what they were involved in,\u201d Ihshan recalled. Funny Boy isn\u2019t Ihshan\u2019s maiden involvement in international film. He has also worked on all three seasons of British TV series the \u2018Good Karma Hospital\u2019 and \u2018Greed\u2019 by Micheal Winterbottom. For five years, Ihshan has been slowly and steadily laying the foundation for success, working as an Assistant Director. The team of Assistant Directors in Funny Boy was led by First Assistant Director Reid Dunlop, Second Assistant Director Vamsi Krishna &amp; Third Assistant Director Prasad Pereira. \u201cIn \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 I was hired as the Second Second Assistant Director, which means I worked with the Second Assistant Director on the film. Having had 75 cast members on the film, my job was to get the actors ready on time for camera and assist on set,\u201d he said when asked what his role was in the film. Asked about what shooting \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 was like in Sri Lanka, Ihshan said that it was always great to work here. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to work in Sri Lanka because people take instructions well, and are very enthusiastic to be on set.\u201d The young film maker says among the best moments in filming \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, was one of his favourite scenes shot in Colombo. \u201cThere was a road scene filmed opposite the Dutch Burgher Union. So basically we made it look like 1983, meaning all the vehicles were propped to make it look like the days in the past. We had stopped the traffic on all sides to shoot the sequence, with the Police helping us. And to add to all that, it was raining cats and dogs. It was such a brief scene, but it was all hands on deck and we put in a lot of work,\u201d he recalled. Ihshan is also proud of another scene with 300 extra actors depicting a refugee camp at a church, which he recalls was one of the most challenging moments in the production. On the sets of Funny Boy It is evident that Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors. Ihshan believes that despite their talent, most actors lack experience. \u201cWe have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal. Unfortunately. If the local directors stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent, it will help empower new talent,\u201d he opined. Deepa Mehta is an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated director, only a few aspiring film makers are fortunate to work with. Asked of his experience in working with Deepa, Ihshan is full of praise. \u201cWorking with Deepa may as well be one of the best moments in my film career. She is a director who knows what she wants, in terms of everything! She knows to get the best performance out of an actor. And she is very resilient,\u201d he added. Not everyone, however, agreed on the outcomes of the film. The issue of casting Sinhalese actors in Tamil roles has been criticised widely, which of course the Director herself has reasoned. We asked about Ihshan\u2019s take on the controversy. \u201cThe book was written in 1994, till Deepa Mehta took up the project, no one was considering to even talk about it. So I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan crew and cast,\u201d he responded. \u201cIt was addressing many issues, bolder topics had been discussed especially oppression in detail. In my opinion, I don\u2019t think any Sri Lankan \u2018Director\u2019 will want to take that responsibility. It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn about our history. Read about Black July and the Oppression of the minorities,\u201d Ihshan urged. Filming is not all Ihshan has been up to lately. He also hosts a unique podcast discussing his experience in the film industry. \u201cCovid made me realise that I need to share the interesting parts of my film career. So I was inspired by a podcast by the cinematographer Roger Deakins called \u201cTeam Deakins\u201d. I asked a few people whether they were interested to be a part of it. That\u2019s where it all started,\u201d he said describing Shooting Diaries with Ihshan Iqbal. Asked what would be next in his bucket list, Ihshan simply replied \u201cOne Oscar Nomination for Best Achievement in Directing.\u201d \" width=\"250\" height=\"208\" \/>Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. Based on acclaimed writer Shyam Selvadurai\u2019s book of the same title, the coming-of-age film follows a young Tamil boy who explores his sexuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">His personal struggles however are depicted against the backdrop of the tensions building between Tamils and Sinhalese, on the cusp of the brutal three-decade civil war.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54328\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/funny-boy3.jpg\" alt=\"Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history We have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal Local directors need to stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. Based on acclaimed writer Shyam Selvadurai\u2019s book of the same title, the coming-of-age film follows a young Tamil boy who explores his sexuality. His personal struggles however are depicted against the backdrop of the tensions building between Tamils and Sinhalese, on the cusp of the brutal three-decade civil war. Ihshan and Shyam on the sets of Funny Boy the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 deals with several controversial subjects. The book and the film offer rare insights to our island nation\u2019s violent history as well as homosexuality. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted many criticisms even before it\u2019s release since the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars. Much has been said about the film, the cast, the criticisms and the challenges. Daily Mirror Insight spoke to young Sri Lankan filmmaker Ihshan Iqbal about what it was like behind the scenes of Funny Boy. Second Assistant Director (AD) Vamsi Krishna Ihshan, Third AD Prasad Pereira &amp; First AD Reid Dunlop A career in film is not a natural choice in Sri Lanka, especially for those with no family ties or other connections to the industry. What was it that drove Ihshan towards the film, we asked. \u201cAll this started when I volunteered for the Colombo Film Festival in 2015. It wasn\u2019t random but I would say it was the universe giving me a chance. I met a few like-minded people with whom I still collaborate, my Editor Trilan Shastri, and my Cinematographer Sandaruwan Abeysinghe. My first commercial job was a TV commercial for a milk brand called ARLA. I got a call from Pearly Hanan, who wanted me to come and meet the Line Producer Lylie Almeida. They gave me my first job. Being hired as a Set Production Assistant, was something amazing where I got to learn about each department and what they were involved in,\u201d Ihshan recalled. Funny Boy isn\u2019t Ihshan\u2019s maiden involvement in international film. He has also worked on all three seasons of British TV series the \u2018Good Karma Hospital\u2019 and \u2018Greed\u2019 by Micheal Winterbottom. For five years, Ihshan has been slowly and steadily laying the foundation for success, working as an Assistant Director. The team of Assistant Directors in Funny Boy was led by First Assistant Director Reid Dunlop, Second Assistant Director Vamsi Krishna &amp; Third Assistant Director Prasad Pereira. \u201cIn \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 I was hired as the Second Second Assistant Director, which means I worked with the Second Assistant Director on the film. Having had 75 cast members on the film, my job was to get the actors ready on time for camera and assist on set,\u201d he said when asked what his role was in the film. Asked about what shooting \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 was like in Sri Lanka, Ihshan said that it was always great to work here. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to work in Sri Lanka because people take instructions well, and are very enthusiastic to be on set.\u201d The young film maker says among the best moments in filming \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, was one of his favourite scenes shot in Colombo. \u201cThere was a road scene filmed opposite the Dutch Burgher Union. So basically we made it look like 1983, meaning all the vehicles were propped to make it look like the days in the past. We had stopped the traffic on all sides to shoot the sequence, with the Police helping us. And to add to all that, it was raining cats and dogs. It was such a brief scene, but it was all hands on deck and we put in a lot of work,\u201d he recalled. Ihshan is also proud of another scene with 300 extra actors depicting a refugee camp at a church, which he recalls was one of the most challenging moments in the production. On the sets of Funny Boy It is evident that Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors. Ihshan believes that despite their talent, most actors lack experience. \u201cWe have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal. Unfortunately. If the local directors stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent, it will help empower new talent,\u201d he opined. Deepa Mehta is an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated director, only a few aspiring film makers are fortunate to work with. Asked of his experience in working with Deepa, Ihshan is full of praise. \u201cWorking with Deepa may as well be one of the best moments in my film career. She is a director who knows what she wants, in terms of everything! She knows to get the best performance out of an actor. And she is very resilient,\u201d he added. Not everyone, however, agreed on the outcomes of the film. The issue of casting Sinhalese actors in Tamil roles has been criticised widely, which of course the Director herself has reasoned. We asked about Ihshan\u2019s take on the controversy. \u201cThe book was written in 1994, till Deepa Mehta took up the project, no one was considering to even talk about it. So I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan crew and cast,\u201d he responded. \u201cIt was addressing many issues, bolder topics had been discussed especially oppression in detail. In my opinion, I don\u2019t think any Sri Lankan \u2018Director\u2019 will want to take that responsibility. It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn about our history. Read about Black July and the Oppression of the minorities,\u201d Ihshan urged. Filming is not all Ihshan has been up to lately. He also hosts a unique podcast discussing his experience in the film industry. \u201cCovid made me realise that I need to share the interesting parts of my film career. So I was inspired by a podcast by the cinematographer Roger Deakins called \u201cTeam Deakins\u201d. I asked a few people whether they were interested to be a part of it. That\u2019s where it all started,\u201d he said describing Shooting Diaries with Ihshan Iqbal. Asked what would be next in his bucket list, Ihshan simply replied \u201cOne Oscar Nomination for Best Achievement in Directing.\u201d \" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><strong>\u00a0Ihshan and Shyam on the sets of Funny Boy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><strong><big>the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars<\/big><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">\u2018Funny Boy\u2019 deals with several controversial subjects. The book and the film offer rare insights to our island nation\u2019s violent history as well as homosexuality. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted many criticisms even before it\u2019s release since the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars. Much has been said about the film, the cast, the criticisms and the challenges. Daily Mirror Insight spoke to young Sri Lankan filmmaker Ihshan Iqbal about what it was like behind the scenes of Funny Boy.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54329\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/funny-boy2.jpg\" alt=\"Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history We have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal Local directors need to stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. Based on acclaimed writer Shyam Selvadurai\u2019s book of the same title, the coming-of-age film follows a young Tamil boy who explores his sexuality. His personal struggles however are depicted against the backdrop of the tensions building between Tamils and Sinhalese, on the cusp of the brutal three-decade civil war. Ihshan and Shyam on the sets of Funny Boy the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 deals with several controversial subjects. The book and the film offer rare insights to our island nation\u2019s violent history as well as homosexuality. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted many criticisms even before it\u2019s release since the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars. Much has been said about the film, the cast, the criticisms and the challenges. Daily Mirror Insight spoke to young Sri Lankan filmmaker Ihshan Iqbal about what it was like behind the scenes of Funny Boy. Second Assistant Director (AD) Vamsi Krishna Ihshan, Third AD Prasad Pereira &amp; First AD Reid Dunlop A career in film is not a natural choice in Sri Lanka, especially for those with no family ties or other connections to the industry. What was it that drove Ihshan towards the film, we asked. \u201cAll this started when I volunteered for the Colombo Film Festival in 2015. It wasn\u2019t random but I would say it was the universe giving me a chance. I met a few like-minded people with whom I still collaborate, my Editor Trilan Shastri, and my Cinematographer Sandaruwan Abeysinghe. My first commercial job was a TV commercial for a milk brand called ARLA. I got a call from Pearly Hanan, who wanted me to come and meet the Line Producer Lylie Almeida. They gave me my first job. Being hired as a Set Production Assistant, was something amazing where I got to learn about each department and what they were involved in,\u201d Ihshan recalled. Funny Boy isn\u2019t Ihshan\u2019s maiden involvement in international film. He has also worked on all three seasons of British TV series the \u2018Good Karma Hospital\u2019 and \u2018Greed\u2019 by Micheal Winterbottom. For five years, Ihshan has been slowly and steadily laying the foundation for success, working as an Assistant Director. The team of Assistant Directors in Funny Boy was led by First Assistant Director Reid Dunlop, Second Assistant Director Vamsi Krishna &amp; Third Assistant Director Prasad Pereira. \u201cIn \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 I was hired as the Second Second Assistant Director, which means I worked with the Second Assistant Director on the film. Having had 75 cast members on the film, my job was to get the actors ready on time for camera and assist on set,\u201d he said when asked what his role was in the film. Asked about what shooting \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 was like in Sri Lanka, Ihshan said that it was always great to work here. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to work in Sri Lanka because people take instructions well, and are very enthusiastic to be on set.\u201d The young film maker says among the best moments in filming \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, was one of his favourite scenes shot in Colombo. \u201cThere was a road scene filmed opposite the Dutch Burgher Union. So basically we made it look like 1983, meaning all the vehicles were propped to make it look like the days in the past. We had stopped the traffic on all sides to shoot the sequence, with the Police helping us. And to add to all that, it was raining cats and dogs. It was such a brief scene, but it was all hands on deck and we put in a lot of work,\u201d he recalled. Ihshan is also proud of another scene with 300 extra actors depicting a refugee camp at a church, which he recalls was one of the most challenging moments in the production. On the sets of Funny Boy It is evident that Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors. Ihshan believes that despite their talent, most actors lack experience. \u201cWe have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal. Unfortunately. If the local directors stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent, it will help empower new talent,\u201d he opined. Deepa Mehta is an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated director, only a few aspiring film makers are fortunate to work with. Asked of his experience in working with Deepa, Ihshan is full of praise. \u201cWorking with Deepa may as well be one of the best moments in my film career. She is a director who knows what she wants, in terms of everything! She knows to get the best performance out of an actor. And she is very resilient,\u201d he added. Not everyone, however, agreed on the outcomes of the film. The issue of casting Sinhalese actors in Tamil roles has been criticised widely, which of course the Director herself has reasoned. We asked about Ihshan\u2019s take on the controversy. \u201cThe book was written in 1994, till Deepa Mehta took up the project, no one was considering to even talk about it. So I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan crew and cast,\u201d he responded. \u201cIt was addressing many issues, bolder topics had been discussed especially oppression in detail. In my opinion, I don\u2019t think any Sri Lankan \u2018Director\u2019 will want to take that responsibility. It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn about our history. Read about Black July and the Oppression of the minorities,\u201d Ihshan urged. Filming is not all Ihshan has been up to lately. He also hosts a unique podcast discussing his experience in the film industry. \u201cCovid made me realise that I need to share the interesting parts of my film career. So I was inspired by a podcast by the cinematographer Roger Deakins called \u201cTeam Deakins\u201d. I asked a few people whether they were interested to be a part of it. That\u2019s where it all started,\u201d he said describing Shooting Diaries with Ihshan Iqbal. Asked what would be next in his bucket list, Ihshan simply replied \u201cOne Oscar Nomination for Best Achievement in Directing.\u201d \" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Second Assistant Director (AD)\u00a0 Vamsi Krishna Ihshan, Third AD Prasad Pereira &amp; First AD Reid Dunlop<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">A career in film is not a natural choice in Sri Lanka, especially for those with no family ties or other connections to the industry. What was it that drove Ihshan towards the film, we asked. \u201cAll this started when I volunteered for the Colombo Film Festival in 2015. It wasn\u2019t random but I would say it was the universe giving me a chance. I met a few like-minded people with whom I still collaborate, my Editor Trilan Shastri, and my Cinematographer<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Sandaruwan Abeysinghe. My first commercial job was a TV commercial for a milk brand called ARLA. I got a call from Pearly Hanan, who wanted me to come and meet the Line Producer Lylie Almeida. They gave me my first job. Being hired as a Set Production Assistant, was something amazing where I got to learn about each department and what they were involved in,\u201d Ihshan recalled.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54330 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/image005-1.jpg\" alt=\"Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history We have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal Local directors need to stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. Based on acclaimed writer Shyam Selvadurai\u2019s book of the same title, the coming-of-age film follows a young Tamil boy who explores his sexuality. His personal struggles however are depicted against the backdrop of the tensions building between Tamils and Sinhalese, on the cusp of the brutal three-decade civil war. Ihshan and Shyam on the sets of Funny Boy the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 deals with several controversial subjects. The book and the film offer rare insights to our island nation\u2019s violent history as well as homosexuality. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted many criticisms even before it\u2019s release since the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars. Much has been said about the film, the cast, the criticisms and the challenges. Daily Mirror Insight spoke to young Sri Lankan filmmaker Ihshan Iqbal about what it was like behind the scenes of Funny Boy. Second Assistant Director (AD) Vamsi Krishna Ihshan, Third AD Prasad Pereira &amp; First AD Reid Dunlop A career in film is not a natural choice in Sri Lanka, especially for those with no family ties or other connections to the industry. What was it that drove Ihshan towards the film, we asked. \u201cAll this started when I volunteered for the Colombo Film Festival in 2015. It wasn\u2019t random but I would say it was the universe giving me a chance. I met a few like-minded people with whom I still collaborate, my Editor Trilan Shastri, and my Cinematographer Sandaruwan Abeysinghe. My first commercial job was a TV commercial for a milk brand called ARLA. I got a call from Pearly Hanan, who wanted me to come and meet the Line Producer Lylie Almeida. They gave me my first job. Being hired as a Set Production Assistant, was something amazing where I got to learn about each department and what they were involved in,\u201d Ihshan recalled. Funny Boy isn\u2019t Ihshan\u2019s maiden involvement in international film. He has also worked on all three seasons of British TV series the \u2018Good Karma Hospital\u2019 and \u2018Greed\u2019 by Micheal Winterbottom. For five years, Ihshan has been slowly and steadily laying the foundation for success, working as an Assistant Director. The team of Assistant Directors in Funny Boy was led by First Assistant Director Reid Dunlop, Second Assistant Director Vamsi Krishna &amp; Third Assistant Director Prasad Pereira. \u201cIn \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 I was hired as the Second Second Assistant Director, which means I worked with the Second Assistant Director on the film. Having had 75 cast members on the film, my job was to get the actors ready on time for camera and assist on set,\u201d he said when asked what his role was in the film. Asked about what shooting \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 was like in Sri Lanka, Ihshan said that it was always great to work here. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to work in Sri Lanka because people take instructions well, and are very enthusiastic to be on set.\u201d The young film maker says among the best moments in filming \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, was one of his favourite scenes shot in Colombo. \u201cThere was a road scene filmed opposite the Dutch Burgher Union. So basically we made it look like 1983, meaning all the vehicles were propped to make it look like the days in the past. We had stopped the traffic on all sides to shoot the sequence, with the Police helping us. And to add to all that, it was raining cats and dogs. It was such a brief scene, but it was all hands on deck and we put in a lot of work,\u201d he recalled. Ihshan is also proud of another scene with 300 extra actors depicting a refugee camp at a church, which he recalls was one of the most challenging moments in the production. On the sets of Funny Boy It is evident that Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors. Ihshan believes that despite their talent, most actors lack experience. \u201cWe have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal. Unfortunately. If the local directors stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent, it will help empower new talent,\u201d he opined. Deepa Mehta is an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated director, only a few aspiring film makers are fortunate to work with. Asked of his experience in working with Deepa, Ihshan is full of praise. \u201cWorking with Deepa may as well be one of the best moments in my film career. She is a director who knows what she wants, in terms of everything! She knows to get the best performance out of an actor. And she is very resilient,\u201d he added. Not everyone, however, agreed on the outcomes of the film. The issue of casting Sinhalese actors in Tamil roles has been criticised widely, which of course the Director herself has reasoned. We asked about Ihshan\u2019s take on the controversy. \u201cThe book was written in 1994, till Deepa Mehta took up the project, no one was considering to even talk about it. So I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan crew and cast,\u201d he responded. \u201cIt was addressing many issues, bolder topics had been discussed especially oppression in detail. In my opinion, I don\u2019t think any Sri Lankan \u2018Director\u2019 will want to take that responsibility. It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn about our history. Read about Black July and the Oppression of the minorities,\u201d Ihshan urged. Filming is not all Ihshan has been up to lately. He also hosts a unique podcast discussing his experience in the film industry. \u201cCovid made me realise that I need to share the interesting parts of my film career. So I was inspired by a podcast by the cinematographer Roger Deakins called \u201cTeam Deakins\u201d. I asked a few people whether they were interested to be a part of it. That\u2019s where it all started,\u201d he said describing Shooting Diaries with Ihshan Iqbal. Asked what would be next in his bucket list, Ihshan simply replied \u201cOne Oscar Nomination for Best Achievement in Directing.\u201d \" width=\"300\" height=\"476\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Funny Boy isn\u2019t Ihshan\u2019s maiden involvement in international film. He has also worked on all three seasons of British TV series the \u2018Good Karma Hospital\u2019 and \u2018Greed\u2019 by Micheal Winterbottom. For five years, Ihshan has been slowly and steadily laying the foundation for success, working as an Assistant Director.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">The team of Assistant Directors in Funny Boy was led by First Assistant Director Reid Dunlop, Second Assistant Director Vamsi Krishna &amp; Third Assistant Director Prasad Pereira. \u201cIn \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 I was hired as the Second Second\u00a0 Assistant Director, which means I worked with the Second Assistant Director on the film. Having had 75 cast members on the film, my job was to get the actors ready on time for camera and assist on set,\u201d he said when asked what his role was in the film. Asked about what shooting \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 was like in Sri Lanka, Ihshan said that it was always great to work here. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to work in Sri Lanka because people take instructions well, and are very enthusiastic to be on set.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">The young film maker says among the best moments in filming \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, was one of his favourite scenes shot in Colombo. \u201cThere was a road scene filmed opposite the Dutch Burgher Union. So basically we made it look like 1983, meaning all the vehicles were propped to make it look like the days in the past. We had stopped the traffic on all sides to shoot the sequence, with the Police helping us. And to add to all that, it was raining cats and dogs. It was such a brief scene, but it was all hands on deck and we put in a lot of work,\u201d he recalled. Ihshan is also proud of another scene with 300 extra actors depicting a refugee camp at a church, which he recalls was one of the most challenging moments in the production.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54331\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/elanka-funny-boy.jpg\" alt=\"Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history We have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal Local directors need to stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. Based on acclaimed writer Shyam Selvadurai\u2019s book of the same title, the coming-of-age film follows a young Tamil boy who explores his sexuality. His personal struggles however are depicted against the backdrop of the tensions building between Tamils and Sinhalese, on the cusp of the brutal three-decade civil war. Ihshan and Shyam on the sets of Funny Boy the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 deals with several controversial subjects. The book and the film offer rare insights to our island nation\u2019s violent history as well as homosexuality. Unsurprisingly, it has attracted many criticisms even before it\u2019s release since the film was named as Canada\u2019s international feature film entry for the 2021 Oscars. Much has been said about the film, the cast, the criticisms and the challenges. Daily Mirror Insight spoke to young Sri Lankan filmmaker Ihshan Iqbal about what it was like behind the scenes of Funny Boy. Second Assistant Director (AD) Vamsi Krishna Ihshan, Third AD Prasad Pereira &amp; First AD Reid Dunlop A career in film is not a natural choice in Sri Lanka, especially for those with no family ties or other connections to the industry. What was it that drove Ihshan towards the film, we asked. \u201cAll this started when I volunteered for the Colombo Film Festival in 2015. It wasn\u2019t random but I would say it was the universe giving me a chance. I met a few like-minded people with whom I still collaborate, my Editor Trilan Shastri, and my Cinematographer Sandaruwan Abeysinghe. My first commercial job was a TV commercial for a milk brand called ARLA. I got a call from Pearly Hanan, who wanted me to come and meet the Line Producer Lylie Almeida. They gave me my first job. Being hired as a Set Production Assistant, was something amazing where I got to learn about each department and what they were involved in,\u201d Ihshan recalled. Funny Boy isn\u2019t Ihshan\u2019s maiden involvement in international film. He has also worked on all three seasons of British TV series the \u2018Good Karma Hospital\u2019 and \u2018Greed\u2019 by Micheal Winterbottom. For five years, Ihshan has been slowly and steadily laying the foundation for success, working as an Assistant Director. The team of Assistant Directors in Funny Boy was led by First Assistant Director Reid Dunlop, Second Assistant Director Vamsi Krishna &amp; Third Assistant Director Prasad Pereira. \u201cIn \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 I was hired as the Second Second Assistant Director, which means I worked with the Second Assistant Director on the film. Having had 75 cast members on the film, my job was to get the actors ready on time for camera and assist on set,\u201d he said when asked what his role was in the film. Asked about what shooting \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 was like in Sri Lanka, Ihshan said that it was always great to work here. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to work in Sri Lanka because people take instructions well, and are very enthusiastic to be on set.\u201d The young film maker says among the best moments in filming \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, was one of his favourite scenes shot in Colombo. \u201cThere was a road scene filmed opposite the Dutch Burgher Union. So basically we made it look like 1983, meaning all the vehicles were propped to make it look like the days in the past. We had stopped the traffic on all sides to shoot the sequence, with the Police helping us. And to add to all that, it was raining cats and dogs. It was such a brief scene, but it was all hands on deck and we put in a lot of work,\u201d he recalled. Ihshan is also proud of another scene with 300 extra actors depicting a refugee camp at a church, which he recalls was one of the most challenging moments in the production. On the sets of Funny Boy It is evident that Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors. Ihshan believes that despite their talent, most actors lack experience. \u201cWe have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal. Unfortunately. If the local directors stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent, it will help empower new talent,\u201d he opined. Deepa Mehta is an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated director, only a few aspiring film makers are fortunate to work with. Asked of his experience in working with Deepa, Ihshan is full of praise. \u201cWorking with Deepa may as well be one of the best moments in my film career. She is a director who knows what she wants, in terms of everything! She knows to get the best performance out of an actor. And she is very resilient,\u201d he added. Not everyone, however, agreed on the outcomes of the film. The issue of casting Sinhalese actors in Tamil roles has been criticised widely, which of course the Director herself has reasoned. We asked about Ihshan\u2019s take on the controversy. \u201cThe book was written in 1994, till Deepa Mehta took up the project, no one was considering to even talk about it. So I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan crew and cast,\u201d he responded. \u201cIt was addressing many issues, bolder topics had been discussed especially oppression in detail. In my opinion, I don\u2019t think any Sri Lankan \u2018Director\u2019 will want to take that responsibility. It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn about our history. Read about Black July and the Oppression of the minorities,\u201d Ihshan urged. Filming is not all Ihshan has been up to lately. He also hosts a unique podcast discussing his experience in the film industry. \u201cCovid made me realise that I need to share the interesting parts of my film career. So I was inspired by a podcast by the cinematographer Roger Deakins called \u201cTeam Deakins\u201d. I asked a few people whether they were interested to be a part of it. That\u2019s where it all started,\u201d he said describing Shooting Diaries with Ihshan Iqbal. Asked what would be next in his bucket list, Ihshan simply replied \u201cOne Oscar Nomination for Best Achievement in Directing.\u201d \" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\"><strong>On the sets of Funny Boy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">It is evident that Sri Lanka\u2019s film industry had great but untapped potential, especially in terms of actors. Ihshan believes that despite their talent, most actors lack experience.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">\u201cWe have a lot of amazing actors here but their experience in film is minimal. Unfortunately. If the local directors stop casting their favourites and explore for new talent, it will help empower new talent,\u201d he opined.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Deepa Mehta is an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated director, only a few aspiring film makers are fortunate to work with. Asked of his experience in working with Deepa, Ihshan is full of praise. \u201cWorking with Deepa may as well be one of the best moments in my film career. She is a director who knows what she wants, in terms of everything! She knows to get the best performance out of an actor. And she is very resilient,\u201d he added.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Not everyone, however, agreed on the outcomes of the film. The issue of casting Sinhalese actors in Tamil roles has been criticised widely, which of course the Director herself has reasoned. We asked about Ihshan\u2019s take on the controversy. \u201cThe book was written in 1994, till Deepa Mehta took up the project, no one was considering to even talk about it. So I don\u2019t see why people have to make a fuss about a film made by Canada, promoting filming in Sri Lanka, with Sri Lankan crew and cast,\u201d he responded.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">\u201cIt was addressing many issues, bolder topics had been discussed especially oppression in detail. In my opinion, I don\u2019t think any Sri Lankan \u2018Director\u2019 will want to take that responsibility. It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn about our history. Read about Black July and the Oppression of the minorities,\u201d Ihshan urged.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Filming is not all Ihshan has been up to lately. He also hosts a unique podcast discussing his experience in the film industry. \u201cCovid made me realise that I need to share the interesting parts of my film career. So I was inspired by a podcast by the cinematographer Roger Deakins called \u201cTeam Deakins\u201d. I asked a few people whether they were interested to be a part of it. That\u2019s where it all started,\u201d he said describing Shooting Diaries with Ihshan Iqbal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #000000;\">Asked what would be next in his bucket list, Ihshan simply replied \u201cOne Oscar Nomination for Best Achievement in Directing.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT FUNNY BOY Ihshan Iqbal on the filming of \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 in Sri Lanka &nbsp; &nbsp; Source: Daily Mirror\u00a0 Ihshan with Deepa Mehta and Assistant Art Director Gayan Madushan &nbsp; It is a beautiful film and I want everyone to watch and learn our history We have a lot of amazing actors here [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":54326,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[15418,31139,31367,31369,31368],"class_list":{"0":"post-54325","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-aside","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-articles","8":"tag-covid","9":"tag-funny-boy","10":"tag-ihshan-iqbal","11":"tag-reid-dunlop","12":"tag-sri-lankas-film-industry","13":"post_format-post-format-aside"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.7.1 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT FUNNY BOY Ihshan Iqbal on the filming of \u2018Funny Boy\u2019 in Sri Lanka - eLanka<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Deepa Mehta\u2019s \u2018Funny Boy\u2019, a Canadian drama film shot in Sri Lanka, is to be released on Netflix today. 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