Documentary on Sri Lanka by Pakistani Journalist Supported by the Pulitzer Center Screened

This article originally appeared in The Desi Buzz, a media outlet covering the South Asian diaspora in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The city of Colombo hosted the first international screening of the documentary Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines, created by Beena Sarwar, a Pakistani journalist based in the Boston area. The event, held on July 25, 2024, was organized by the foreign policy think tank Factum, in collaboration with the global Southasia Peace Action Network and the syndicated features service Sapan News Network. 

Video by Beena Sarwar.

Event Details and Collaboration

The screening took place at Scope Cinemas in Colombo City Centre, where attendees gathered to watch the thought-provoking documentary. The film, supported by the Pulitzer Center, aimed to provide an in-depth look at the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka, going beyond the headlines to explore the underlying issues facing the country.

Beena Sarwar’s Contribution to Journalism

Beena Sarwar, known for her extensive work in journalism and human rights advocacy, received recognition for her insightful portrayal of Sri Lanka’s challenges. Her documentary sheds light on the complex political and economic issues that have shaped the nation’s recent history, offering viewers a nuanced perspective that is often missing from mainstream coverage.

Significance of the Screening

The screening in Colombo marked an important milestone for the documentary, bringing it to an international audience and sparking discussions on the future of democracy in Sri Lanka. The event underscored the role of independent journalism in highlighting critical issues and fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by nations around the world.

This first international screening of Democracy in Debt was an indication of the growing interest in and support for documentaries that tackle pressing global issues. The collaboration between Factum, the Southasia Peace Action Network, and Sapan News Network demonstrated a shared commitment to promoting informed discourse and ensuring that the stories of the South Asian region are heard on a global stage.