Lalith Rathnayake's "Riverstone," a compelling cinematic work from Sri Lanka, has achieved the highest honor at the 32nd Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema. The film earned the coveted Golden Cyclo award, a testament to its profound narrative and cinematic excellence. The international jury praised "Riverstone" for its unflinching exploration of the political turmoil prevalent across Asia and its significant ramifications for everyday people. This victory at Vesoul underscores the film's global resonance, building upon its previous successes at major film festivals in Shanghai and Singapore.
Sri Lankan Film Triumphs at French Festival, Earning Top Honors and Critical Acclaim
On February 3, 2026, in the charming French town of Vesoul, the 32nd Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema drew to a close, culminating in a significant win for Sri Lankan director Lalith Rathnayake. His film, "Riverstone," was bestowed with the prestigious Golden Cyclo award, the festival's highest honor. The international jury, a distinguished panel led by Chinese director Wang Bing and comprising Korean director Shin Su-won, Iranian producer Katayoon Shahabi, and French director, producer, and screenwriter Joël Farges, recognized the film's powerful portrayal of political crises in Asia and their far-reaching effects on ordinary citizens. The jury's citation specifically highlighted how the film effectively illustrates that "the serious crisis of political power in Asia threatens the survival of ordinary people" and serves as a poignant reflection of "the current situation on the continent."
Beyond its central theme, the jury lauded "Riverstone" for its outstanding performances and Rathnayake's exceptional ability to convey the humanistic essence of the adapted material. Its incisive critique of modern politics was cited as a key factor in its triumph. This latest accolade adds to the film's impressive collection of awards, including top prizes secured at both the Shanghai and Singapore film festivals prior to its Vesoul victory.
In addition to "Riverstone's" success, the festival celebrated other notable cinematic achievements. Wang Bing himself received the Honorary Golden Cyclo from the Vesoul Urban Community and City of Vesoul. The Grand Prize of the Jury was awarded to Kyrgyzstan's "Kurak," a film co-directed by Erke Dzhumakmatova and the late Emil Atageldiev, acknowledged for its universal importance and cinematic mastery. Taiwanese filmmaker Tsao Shih-han's "Before the Bright Day" secured the Jury Prize and the Netpac Jury Prize, praised for its sophisticated blend of historical context and personal drama. Special mentions were given to Iranian filmmaker Abbas Nezamdoost’s “Duality” and Thai director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s “Human Resource,” with the latter also winning the Marc Haaz Jury Prize for its exploration of pregnancy and bodily autonomy. "Kurak" also received the Critics' Jury Prize and the High School Jury Prize, while "Riverstone" earned a special mention from the Critics' Jury and the Prize of the Friends of Émile Guimet. Indian director Tannishtha Chatterjee's "Full Plate" received a special mention from the Friends of Émile Guimet Jury and won the Public's Choice Award for Feature Film. The documentary prize went to Bernard Louargant's French film "Li Chevalier, Encre et Âme," and Palestinian filmmaker Alaa Damo's "Hassan" claimed the Youth Jury Prize. The festival announced its 33rd edition is scheduled for February 2-9, 2027.
The resounding success of "Riverstone" and other Asian films at the Vesoul International Film Festival highlights the global significance and rich storytelling traditions of Asian cinema. This event serves as a crucial platform for showcasing diverse narratives and perspectives, allowing filmmakers to connect with international audiences and critics. The accolades received by these films, particularly "Riverstone's" recognition for its political commentary, underscore cinema's power to illuminate pressing social and political issues, fostering greater understanding and empathy across cultures. The festival's commitment to supporting new voices and diverse themes continues to enrich the global cinematic landscape, proving that compelling stories, regardless of their origin, can resonate deeply with universal human experiences.