Half Day Pass – Morning, 19th January 2025

9:30 am – 9:40 am | Cultural performance

9:45 am – 10:30 am | Islanded and Connected

Sujit Sivasundaram, Shamara Wettimuny in conversation with Judith Perera

Sujit Sivasundaram and Shamara Wettimuny come together to explore how Sri Lanka’s rich and complex history resonates globally while remaining uniquely local. Drawing on Sujit’s insights into the Indian Ocean as a stage for revolutionary ideas, the discussion delves into the historical role of dissent and resistance. Complementing this, Shamara’s work on shifting identities examines how alternative discourses can challenge dominant narratives of hate and division. Together, they highlight the importance of uncovering marginalised voices and reframing history to better understand global patterns and local identities.

10:35 am – 11:15 am | A Wednesday Every Decade

Naseeruddin Shah in conversation with Rehan Mudannayake

Naseeruddin Shah will reflect on his experience working with legends of the past and the rising stars of today, drawing from insights shared in his book And Then One Day: A Memoir. Shah will discuss how acting techniques, storytelling, and the industry itself have transformed across generations. He will discuss the differences in approach between his generation and today’s actors, the impact of digital platforms like Netflix and Amazon on cinema, and how emerging technologies are reshaping cinema. Through stories from his memoir, he can deep dive into what’s been lost and gained in this new era.

11:20 am – 12:00 pm | Diversity Reckoning

Max Czollek in conversation with Savithri Rodrigo

Max Czollek presents his vision for “radical diversity” as an alternative to the traditional politics of tolerance and assimilation. Drawing on his critiques of post-WWII German cultural policies, Czollek argues for a future where diversity is embraced not as an exception but as a fundamental principle, examining how radical diversity reshapes the way we view citizenship, culture, and politics, pushing for a more inclusive and multifaceted societal structure that transcends binary notions of identity. Czollek also brings a critical lens to the ongoing immigration crisis in Germany as an opportunity to rethink national identity and the social integration of displaced communities, advocating for peace through mutual recognition.

12:05 pm – 12:50 pm | From Frangipani Gardens to Battlegrounds

Ramya Jirasinghe, Vihanga Perera in conversation with Sukanya Wignaraja

Ramya Jirasinghe and Vihanga Perera come together for a powerful conversation on the transformative role of poetry in healing and understanding. Ramya will explore themes of love, loss, and reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka, drawing from her collection Love Poems from a Frangipani Garden, while Vihanga will share how real-life experiences shape his topical, poignant poetry. Together, they’ll discuss how poetry bridges divides and offers solace in challenging times.

12:55 pm – 1:35 pm | Science Under Siege

Shawn Otto in conversation with Chevaan Daniel

Shawn Otto explores the roles of media, education, and social networks in shaping public perception and learning how to counteract misinformation. The session will also focus on understanding how to analyse scientific claims, emphasising the importance of scepticism and the cultivation of a questioning mindset in a world rife with conflicting information.