Pulitzer-backed documentary ‘Democracy in Debt’ wins two awards at Jalgaon International Film Festival

The Pulitzer Center-backed documentary "Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines" has won two awards at the Second Jalgaon International Film Festival in India, taking home the honours for Best Social Film and Best Screenplay.

Filmed in Sri Lanka in 2024 following the country’s economic collapse, the documentary highlights the experiences of farmers and teachers in a remote village in the North Central province. These personal stories are interwoven with the perspectives of policymakers, economists, and then Prime Minister in Colombo.

Produced by Pakistani journalist and filmmaker Beena Sarwar in collaboration with Sri Lankan historian and filmmaker Dr SinhaRaja Tammita Delgoda -- who co-wrote and co-directed the film -- and researcher Uditha Devapriya, the documentary premiered in Colombo in July 2024.

Its initial screening took place at the Barberyn Ayurveda resort in Weligama, south Sri Lanka. It officially premiered at a cinema in Colombo, hosted by Factum International, in July 2024, attracting ambassadors, political figures, journalists, academics, and retired military officials.”

Since then, Democracy in Debt has been screened at over 80 events in 25 countries, including in US cities such as Boston and Buffalo, as well as South Asian cities including Karachi, Lahore, Jaipur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Dhaka, and Kathmandu.