Released September 1, 2026
Currently available for pre-order
The debut film from a Sri Lankan cinema pioneer
"A THRILLING LOVE SONG TO CINEMA."
LE NOUVEL OBS
AVAILABLE FOR THE 1ST TIME ON BLU-RAY
Kusum is a young girl from a poor family in rural Sri Lanka. Hardworking and obedient, she spends her holidays serving Madame Kamalawathi and her sons, in an atmosphere of mutual affection. Nimal, the eldest and a brilliant student, introduces her to studies, and Kusum soon enters boarding school to complete her education. A few years pass, and Nimal returns from university. When he sees Kusum again, it's love at first sight. But the young woman vows not to succumb to this love, believing herself to be socially unworthy…
The Girls (1978) marks a major turning point in Sri Lankan cinema: it is the first film directed by a woman, the prodigiously talented Sumitra Peries. Opting for delicate staging, in black and white imbued with poetry and sensuality, the filmmaker paints a sensitive portrait of the female condition in her country. In the role of Kusum, newcomer Wasanthi Chathurani shines on screen with her graceful beauty and perfectly embodies the silenced voice of young women forced into renunciation. The Girls is available for the first time on Blu-ray™ in its new 4K restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation!
THE GIRLS by Sumitra Peries
(1978 - Black & White - 113 min)
Original version with French subtitles
Blu-ray Edition
New 4K restoration
New on BLU-RAY
THE FILM
. NEW 4K RESTORATION
. ORIGINAL VERSION WITH FRENCH SUBTITLES DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO 1.0
BONUS FEATURES
. INTERVIEW WITH AJITH JINADASA (4 min)
The actor playing Nimal discusses the director's method, focused on the naturalness and spontaneity of the young actors.
. INTERVIEW WITH WASANTHI CHATHURANI (3 min)
The actress playing Kusum is proud of the legacy of Sumitra Peries' film, forty-seven years after its release.
. THE RESTORATION
. TRAILER 2026
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BD 50 • HIGH DEFINITION MASTER • 1080/23.98p • AVC ENCODING
Original Version DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 • French Subtitles
Respected 1.37 Format • Black & White • Film Length: 113 min
Released September 1, 2026
