The Catalyst Club of the APIIT Sri Lanka officially launched Kagura 2026, the third edition of its inter-university short film festival, at an opening ceremony and press conference held at the APIIT Foundation School, Access Towers II.
Kagura is an annual inter-university short film festival organized to create a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their creativity, challenge conventions, and address relevant social themes through film. This year’s Kagura will be held under the theme “The Lies We Tell” and invites young filmmakers to explore the complex nature of truth and deception that shapes human experience and society. The competition encourages participants to use film as a tool to question perception, expose hidden realities, and reflect on the stories we choose to believe.
The launch event featured the official unveiling of awards and trophies, symbolizing Kagura’s ongoing dedication to celebrating excellence in cinematic storytelling. The Kagura Organizing Committee was also formally introduced, marking the start of another season of creativity and collaboration. Building on the success of Kagura 2025, which showcased over nine finalist films from universities including AMDT, SLTC, Curtin Colombo, and others, this year’s edition aims to engage an even wider network of universities across Sri Lanka. The ceremony also paid tribute to Kagura’s sponsors and partners, recognizing their invaluable role in sustaining and expanding the festival’s vision.
Project Chairperson Shevan Gomis stated, “We are very excited to launch the third edition of Kagura, the inter-university film festival that sets out to explore truth and deception through the lens of young filmmakers. This festival has become a wonderful platform to encourage university students to use film as a medium of creative expression and social commentary, promoting collaboration, innovation, and cinematic excellence among young storytellers. We are looking forward to an enthusiastic response from young, talented filmmakers from several universities.”
Those interested in taking part can visit @kagura.lk on Instagram for application details and updates. Through its 2026 theme, Kagura continues to stand as a hub for bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and cinematic innovation.
Founded in 1999, APIIT Sri Lanka is a leading higher education institution established in partnership with University of Staffordshire in the UK and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Malaysia. APIIT conducts Undergraduate and Master’s degree programmes from University of Staffordshire, UK in Business, Computing, Law, Psychology, Engineering and Bio-Medical Science. With nearly 3,500 students in enrolment and an annual intake of over 1,000 students, APIIT is one of the largest providers of foreign degree programmes in Sri Lanka. Over the past 25 years it has successfully created nearly 6,000 graduates who are enjoying successful careers in Sri Lanka and abroad.
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