The first trailer for “Spying Stars,” the latest feature from acclaimed Sri Lankan filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara, has been unveiled ahead of its world premiere in competition at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.
The sci-fi drama, a France/India/Sri Lanka co-production, follows scientist Anandi as she visits Hanuman Island to perform last rites for her father. Set in a dystopian future plagued by “Illvibe” — a pandemic caused by machine dominance — Anandi finds herself quarantined in a remote hotel where a mysterious star begins following her. She eventually escapes and seeks refuge with a mother and her transgender daughter.
“I chose to construct ‘Illvibe,’ a disease of the future that finds its origins in technology and devices to narrate a film of loss and mourning, an existential common experience of all mankind of today and in future,” Jayasundara says in his director’s statement.
The film stars Indira Tiwari, Hidaayath Hazeer, Saumya Liyanage, Samanalee Fonseka, Shreepura Mithra, and Kaushalya Fernando. Eeshit Narain serves as director of photography, with music by Alokananda Dasgupta.
Jayasundara has established himself as a major voice in international cinema, notably winning the Caméra d’Or at Cannes for his debut feature “The Forsaken Land” (2004). His subsequent films including “Between Two Worlds” (2009) have screened at prestigious festivals including Cannes, Venice, Locarno, and Toronto.
“‘Spying Stars’ is a liberation film that is spiritual in nature,” the director explains. “It asks one question: in a time of pervasive voyeurism and technological control, how do we retain our humanity?”
The film is presented by House on Fire, Eleenora Images, and Film Council Production, with world sales handled by Bangkok-based Diversion. BIFF runs September 17-26.
Watch the trailer here: