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Sri Lankan Film Spotlight: Shaun Seneviratne, aka Brown Shaun's new wave of Cinema
Exploring Cultural Displacement and Creative Narratives in Sri Lanka with Filmmaker Shaun Seneviratne.
In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural layers of Sri Lanka through the eyes of Shaun Seneviratne, also known as Brown Shaun, an American Sri Lankan filmmaker and educator. Shaun discusses his debut feature film 'Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in Four Parts,' which explores themes of cultural displacement and modern perspectives in Sri Lanka. The conversation covers Shaun's journey from growing up as the only Sri Lankan in a Southeast Asian community to becoming a filmmaker who brilliantly layers media and multiple perspectives. Additionally, Shaun provides insights into the essence of filmmaking, the importance of cultural heritage, and the broader implications of globalised culture on Sri Lanka's identity. A fascinating episode that sheds light on lesser-known Sri Lankan narratives and the importance of celebrating diversity in storytelling.
00:39 Meet Shaun: Filmmaker and Educator
01:14 Discussing 'Ben and Suzanne'
03:20 Shaun's Teaching Journey
04:36 The Art of Filmmaking
08:01 Future of Film and Technology
10:44 Shaun's Background and Inspiration
16:30 Exploring Cultural Displacement
23:00 Perceptions of Sri Lanka
26:08 Exploring Cultural Perspectives in Travel
27:26 The Story of Suzanne and Her Job
31:05 Economic Challenges and Social Issues in Sri Lanka
33:58 Future Projects and Personal Stories
37:17 Identity and Names: A Personal Journey
41:10 Highlighting Sri Lankan Creativity and Culture
About Shaun Seneviratne
Shaun Seneviratne is a filmmaker and educator based in New York. His first feature Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts premiered at SXSW and will be in theaters and streaming this summer. He’s also the host of RohmerCast, a podcast dedicated to filmmaker Eric Rohmer.
Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse
Podcast Themes:
- Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
- Architecture, art, and design
- Sustainability and heritage
- Diaspora experiences and storytelling
Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.
View all episodes
By Dee GibsonExploring Cultural Displacement and Creative Narratives in Sri Lanka with Filmmaker Shaun Seneviratne.
In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural layers of Sri Lanka through the eyes of Shaun Seneviratne, also known as Brown Shaun, an American Sri Lankan filmmaker and educator. Shaun discusses his debut feature film 'Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in Four Parts,' which explores themes of cultural displacement and modern perspectives in Sri Lanka. The conversation covers Shaun's journey from growing up as the only Sri Lankan in a Southeast Asian community to becoming a filmmaker who brilliantly layers media and multiple perspectives. Additionally, Shaun provides insights into the essence of filmmaking, the importance of cultural heritage, and the broader implications of globalised culture on Sri Lanka's identity. A fascinating episode that sheds light on lesser-known Sri Lankan narratives and the importance of celebrating diversity in storytelling.
00:39 Meet Shaun: Filmmaker and Educator
01:14 Discussing 'Ben and Suzanne'
03:20 Shaun's Teaching Journey
04:36 The Art of Filmmaking
08:01 Future of Film and Technology
10:44 Shaun's Background and Inspiration
16:30 Exploring Cultural Displacement
23:00 Perceptions of Sri Lanka
26:08 Exploring Cultural Perspectives in Travel
27:26 The Story of Suzanne and Her Job
31:05 Economic Challenges and Social Issues in Sri Lanka
33:58 Future Projects and Personal Stories
37:17 Identity and Names: A Personal Journey
41:10 Highlighting Sri Lankan Creativity and Culture
About Shaun Seneviratne
Shaun Seneviratne is a filmmaker and educator based in New York. His first feature Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts premiered at SXSW and will be in theaters and streaming this summer. He’s also the host of RohmerCast, a podcast dedicated to filmmaker Eric Rohmer.
Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse
Podcast Themes:
- Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
- Architecture, art, and design
- Sustainability and heritage
- Diaspora experiences and storytelling
Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.