About the film
Funny Boy is the highly-anticipated dramatic feature from Oscar nominee Deepa Mehta. Widely known for her trilogy films, Fire (1996), Earth (1998) and Water (2005), Mehta’s latest film is based on the best-selling Canadian novel by Shyam Selvadurai. Mehta co-wrote the screenplay with Selvadurai, with David Hamilton producing. Three-time Oscar-winning composer Howard Shore created the film score.
Shot on location and set in Sri Lanka in the 1970’s and 80’s, Funny Boy explores the awakening of sexual identity by a young boy named Arjie (portrayed by Arush Nand and Brandon Ingram). As political tensions escalate to a boiling point between the minority Tamils and the majority Sinhalese, a young boy comes of age in a society and family that doesn’t embrace difference outside of societal norms. The film chronicles Arjie’s struggle to find balance and self-love despite the absence of empathy and understanding.
Press
- Sometimes I have to pinch myself: Shyam Selvadurai
(The Sunday Morning) - Funny Boy chosen as Canada’s Oscars submission for best international film
(CBC.ca) - Deepa Mehta talks about the buzz and controversy around her new coming-of-age film Funny Boy
(Globe and Mail) - Deepa Metha Funny Boy Controversy/Here is the Truth
(Mr.LOGAN’s TV) - Such a long journey
(India Today) - Deepa Mehta’s Funny Boy Selected as the Opening Film for a Major Human Rights Festival
(Helloimmigrant.com) - We Are More Alike Than Different: Ava DuVernay Teaches Us That With ‘Funny Boy’
(Yahoo.com) - Could Deepa Mehta’s Funny Boy be Canada’s answer to the Academy Awards?
(Straight.com) - The Must-See Film Of The Year: How South Asian Movie ‘Funny Boy’ Breaks New Ground For Diverse Voices
(Forbes)
