Biography
Kasun Kavinda
Shaping Sri Lankan Cinema
Kasun Kavinda is a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan film industry, celebrated as a filmmaker, writer, and the visionary founder of Leonine Motion Picture (Pvt) Ltd. His journey into the captivating world of cinema began with a relentless passion that he nurtured from a young age. Kasun’s cinematic journey took its inaugural steps in 2008, right after his secondary school years, when he successfully embarked on his first cinematic endeavor.
This initial foray into filmmaking proved to be a resounding success as his production was handpicked as a candidate for Sri Lanka’s inaugural international short film festival, organized by Youth New Wave, all within the same year. This early triumph underscored Kasun’s innate talent and dedication to the craft.
Following his initial success, Kasun Kavinda continued his pursuit of cinematic excellence by enrolling at the prestigious Sri Lanka Digital Film Academy. Here, he honed his skills and knowledge, establishing himself as one of Sri Lanka’s trailblazing filmmakers to embrace the potential of digital cinema equipment for video production.
Furthermore, Kasun remains among the select few filmmakers who embrace the challenge of wielding the venerable 35mm film cameras, highlighting his commitment to preserving the artistry of traditional filmmaking techniques in contemporary productions.
In addition to his illustrious career in filmmaking, Kasun Kavinda is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Journalism at the University of Colombo. His academic endeavors serve as a testament to his commitment to storytelling and communication across various mediums.
Kasun’s educational journey encompasses,
University of Colombo – Master’s degree in Journalism
(March 2022 – March 2024)
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology – BA (Hons) in Digital Film & Television with a focus on Film/Cinema/Video Studies
(2014 – 2016)
SLF Digital Film Academy – HND in Film & TV, specializing in Directing (2011 – 2014)
Ananda College, Colombo 10 – General Art/Art Studies (2000 – 2008)
Kasun Kavinda’s remarkable achievements and unyielding dedication to the art of filmmaking, paired with his ongoing academic pursuits, position him as a true luminary in the Sri Lankan film industry. With a vision that transcends the boundaries of storytelling and a commitment to innovation, Kasun continues to shape the future of cinema in Sri Lanka and beyond through Leonine Motion Picture (Pvt) Ltd.
Awards & Recognition
Piyehi Vippayogo – Short Feature 2008
Writer/Director/Producer
Official Selection – Youth New Wave International Film Festival
Baththalangunduwa – Short Feature 2013
Writer/Director/Producer
Official Selection – International Film Festival , Colombo 2014
Official Selection – SAARC International Film Festival 2014
Duka Wedi Nethe – Music Video 2014
Writer/Director/Producer
Most Popular Music Video of the year – Silver award Derana Music Video Awards 2014
Wen Weela Giyada – Music Video 2014
Writer/Director/Producer
Most Popular Music Video of the year – Bronze award Derana Music Video Awards 2014
Terror in Paradise – BBC documentary Feature 2019
Location Producer