Sri Lanka’s first 3D animated feature joins world-renowned filmmakers and industry leaders at the international conference in Turin

From award-winning filmmakers and celebrated cinematographers to leading animation studios and visual effects specialists, the VIEW Conference brings together some of the most influential voices shaping the future of filmmaking and digital storytelling. This year, Sri Lanka joins that international conversation as The Secret of the Moonstone makes its European debut with a screening at the conference in Turin, Italy, from 12 to 16 October.

Now in its 27th edition, VIEW Conference is a leading international event dedicated to animation, computer graphics, visual effects (VFX) and emerging digital technologies. Its 2026 programme features Academy Award-winning director Brad Bird, two-time Academy Award-winning cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins and creative professionals from some of the world’s most prominent animation and film studios. Through keynote presentations, discussions, workshops and masterclasses, the conference provides a platform for creative exchange, technological innovation and international collaboration.

For Sri Lanka, the presentation of The Secret of the Moonstone is an opportunity to demonstrate how local talent can bring an ambitious, feature-length animated production to life and contribute to a rapidly evolving global industry.

Representing Mogo Studios, General Manager Sachitha Kalingamudali, supported by Siva Kumar Kasetty, will share the story behind the film’s development, examining the creative, technical and production challenges of establishing feature-animation capabilities in Sri Lanka. The session will also explore the opportunities for developing the country’s animation industry and connecting local professionals with the international creative community.

Produced entirely in Sri Lanka with local talent, The Secret of the Moonstone is one of Derana’s most ambitious creative projects. Produced by Pradeepa Jeevamanoharan and Directed by Steve De La Zilwa, with Assistant Directors Siobhan Manuelpillai and Dinura Ratnayake, the film reimagines the beloved folktale of Maha Dena Muttha and his five golayas in a futuristic Colombo. Blending Sri Lankan folklore, adventure and technology, it brings a distinctly local story to the animated feature-film format.

“This is a proud moment not only for The Secret of the Moonstone, but for the many Sri Lankan artists, animators and creative professionals who have contributed to the project,” said General Manager Sachitha Kalingamudali. “Taking the film to VIEW allows us to share what Sri Lankan talent can achieve and opens an important conversation about the potential of Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for animation and digital storytelling.”

Reflecting on the wider significance of the production, producer Pradeepa Jeevamanoharan said: “The Secret of the Moonstone, Sri Lanka’s first 3D animated feature film, is a small step towards a bigger future for our creative industry. I hope audiences fall in love with its delightful, quirky characters, whose humour and spirit are unmistakably Sri Lankan, and that the film opens doors for more of our creators to share their stories with the world.”

Assistant director Siobhan Manuelpillai reflected on the production, “A labour of love and a lot of learning. As artists, we always strive to achieve the best possible result, even when working within budgetary and time constraints and navigating difficult circumstances. Every hurdle can become a stepping stone towards a better film. Now that we have reached the finish line, we can take pride not only in the finished product, but also in the journey.”

Beyond the screening, Mogo Studios and Academy hope to build a lasting relationship with VIEW Conference, exploring future collaborations that could strengthen professional development, encourage knowledge-sharing and help nurture Sri Lanka’s animation and VFX industries.

The team extends its sincere appreciation to VIEW Conference CEO and Executive Director Maria Elena Gutierrez and the conference team for providing a platform for Sri Lankan animation to be presented to an international audience.

The film’s appearance in Turin marks an important opportunity for Sri Lankan creative professionals to build international connections, showcase their capabilities and contribute to a future in which stories created in Sri Lanka can reach audiences around the world.