The first trailer of ‘Spying Stars’, a new sci-fi drama by acclaimed Sri Lankan filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara, has released ahead of its world premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.
The movie is a joint production between France, India, and Sri Lanka. At its heart is the story of Anandi, a scientist who travels to Hanuman Island to perform the last rites for her late father. But her journey does not remain personal for long.
Set in a dark, dystopian future where a strange pandemic called “Illvibe” has taken over, the film shows how technology and machines begin to control human life in terrifying ways.
In the film, Anandi is in quarantine at a remote hotel where she is under administration for signs of infection. The trailer shows actress Indira Tiwari, who plays Anandi, wandering through the forest and even eating a flower, as if in deep grief after her father’s death.
What begins as mourning soon turns into a surreal nightmare. A strange star starts to follow her, a severed hand appears, and a giant spying machine floats above, observing every move.
The Illvibe pandemic is more than just a disease. It seems to feed on human emotions, especially guilt. Anandi struggles with being accused of killing her father while trying to survive in a world where machines dominate human thought.
Catch the ‘Spying Stars’ trailer here:
The trailer leaves the audience questioning whether her grief is real or manipulated by technology.
Talking about the film, Jayasundara explained that he invented the idea of Illvibe to reflect today’s dependence on devices and technology. He called the story one of loss and mourning, but also one that connects to everyone living in the modern world.
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“It is an existential experience that belongs to mankind today and in the future,” he said.
‘Spying Stars’ features a strong cast including Indira Tiwari, Hidaayath Hazeer, Saumya Liyanage, Samanalee Fonseka, Shreepura Mithra, and Kaushalya Fernando.
The cinematography is handled by Eeshit Narain, while the music score is composed by Alokananda Dasgupta.
The film is a presentation of House on Fire, Eleenora Images, and Film Council Production. Bangkok-based Diversion is managing the world sales and has also shared the trailer on its YouTube channel.
Jayasundara is no stranger to the global stage. He won the prestigious Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 for his debut film ‘The Forsaken Land’. His later works, such as ‘Between Two Worlds’ (2009), had screenings at top film festivals including Venice, Locarno, Toronto, and Cannes.