A new voice in cinema: Lawrence Valin’s ‘Little Jaffna’ debuts at Venice
A fresh perspective on the Tamil diaspora
Lawrence Valin is making waves with his feature directorial debut, “Little Jaffna”, which is set to premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. This film, which Valin co-wrote and stars in, delves into the Tamil diaspora experience in France, particularly through the lens of gang culture in a central Paris neighborhood known as Little Jaffna. This area is named after the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, reflecting the deep cultural roots and historical backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war that spanned from 1983 to 2009.
From actor to director: Valin’s journey
Valin’s path to “Little Jaffna” was significantly influenced by his experiences in the film industry, particularly his involvement with the Cannes Palme d’Or-winning film “Dheepan”. Although he initially auditioned for the lead role, he was eventually offered a background role, a turning point that motivated him to pursue directing. This pivotal moment led him to realize that to truly represent his identity and stories, he needed to take the helm as a director.
Breaking stereotypes in French cinema
Valin’s experiences as an actor in France highlighted the limited and often stereotypical roles available to actors of Tamil descent. He recounted the frustration of being typecast and even learning English with an Indian accent to secure roles. This struggle fueled his determination to create authentic and nuanced representations of Tamil characters in his films.
Crafting ’Little Jaffna’
Before embarking on his feature film, Valin honed his skills with two short films. His first short, also titled “Little Jaffna” (2018), was his graduation project from La Fémis film school. This project featured Jesuthasan Anthonythasan, the lead actor from “Dheepan”, and was a significant learning experience for Valin. His second short, “The Loyal Man”, was a more ambitious project with a larger budget and a longer runtime, further solidifying his directorial capabilities.
A film for all audiences
With “Little Jaffna”, Valin aimed to create a film that resonates with both Tamil audiences and a broader international viewership. He emphasized the importance of making the film’s themes accessible to everyone, ensuring that the story of the Sri Lankan civil war and its impact on the Tamil community is understood universally.
Collaborating with seasoned actors
Valin enlisted established Indian actors Radikaa Sarathkumar and Vela Ramamoorthy for key roles in the film. Their experience and depth brought valuable authenticity to the characters. The support of the French Sri Lankan Tamil community was instrumental in the film’s production, particularly after Sarathkumar’s participation was confirmed.
A personal and hands-on approach
Valin’s approach to filmmaking is deeply personal and hands-on. He not only directs but also acts in his films, creating a strong connection with his cast, many of whom are non-professional actors. This method fosters a collaborative and supportive environment on set, allowing for genuine performances.
Bridging cultures through cinema
Hailing from a Sri Lankan Tamil family, Valin’s journey reflects his dual identity as both French and Tamil. “Little Jaffna” serves as a bridge between his two cultures, allowing him to explore and express his multifaceted identity without having to choose between them. His cinematic influences are deeply rooted in Tamil cinema, with inspirations from superstar Rajinikanth and Vijay.
Looking ahead
“Little Jaffna” will close Venice’s Critics’ Week and is set to head to Toronto as part of the Centrepiece program. The film’s international sales are being handled by Charades, indicating a promising future for Valin’s debut feature.
For those eager to get a glimpse of this compelling film, you can watch the first clip here.
Valin’s “Little Jaffna” is not just a film; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and shedding light on underrepresented communities. As cinema enthusiasts, we can look forward to more such authentic and powerful narratives from this promising filmmaker.