Draft:The Cinema People

The Cinema People - සිනමාවේදීන් is the largest Sri Lankan Facebook-based community dedicated to film enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals. Established in 2018, the group serves as a platform for discussing films, sharing reviews, and fostering engagement with local and international cinema. With a membership exceeding 196,000 individuals, The Cinema People has become a prominent space for promoting cinematic appreciation and dialogue within Sri Lanka's growing film culture. The group's influence extends beyond online discussions, with notable collaborations, film screenings, and contributions to the broader Sri Lankan film industry.

History

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The Cinema People was first established in 2015 by Nuwan Prasad as a Facebook-based community for film enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals in Sri Lanka. The group rapidly grew in popularity, amassing approximately 100,000 members within a few years.

In 2018, the group faced a significant setback when it was hacked, an incident that gained widespread attention on Sri Lankan social media. On the same day, Nuwan Prasad and the community's administrators created a new group to continue their mission of promoting film discussion and appreciation. Despite the setback, the new group experienced remarkable growth, reaching around 200,000 members as of December 2024.

The community is currently managed by a team of 6 administrators and 5 moderators, who oversee its operations, moderate discussions, and maintain a space for cinematic engagement. The Cinema People continues to be the largest Facebook movie group in Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country's film culture.

Collaborations with Sri Lankan Filmmakers

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The Cinema People plays an active role in supporting Sri Lankan cinema by collaborating with local filmmakers to promote their movies. The group works closely with filmmakers to raise awareness of upcoming releases, provide reviews, and engage its community in discussions about Sri Lankan films. This partnership helps foster a greater appreciation for the local film industry and encourages more people to watch and support Sri Lankan films.

In addition to film promotion, The Cinema People also participates in a variety of events, including movie premieres and media shows. By attending these events, the group strengthens its connection to the film industry and offers its members exclusive insights into new releases and industry trends.

Member Engagement and Rewards

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The Cinema People actively encourages member participation by recognizing and rewarding high-quality contributions. Each month, the group selects the best articles, reviews, or posts shared by its members. The authors of these top articles are awarded movie tickets, allowing them to watch a film of their choice at any cinema location.

This initiative aims to foster a culture of thoughtful film critique and active engagement within the community. By incentivizing members to share insightful content, The Cinema People maintains its reputation as a vibrant hub for film enthusiasts and contributors in Sri Lanka's cinematic landscape.

Administration and Moderation

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The Cinema People is managed by a dedicated team of administrators and moderators who ensure the smooth functioning of the community and maintain its standards of engagement.

Administrators:

  • Nuwan Prasad (Founder)
  • Sujeewa Edirisinghe
  • Sha Danthanarayana
  • Luckshman Aranwala
  • Upul Dissanayake
  • Anjana Dissanayaka

Moderators:

  • Ruwishan Vimukthi
  • Rangana Isuru
  • Dilantha Jayasanka
  • Devinda Perera
  • Ashendrie Samarasinghe

The administrators are responsible for overseeing the group's overall direction, member engagement, and major decisions. The moderators assist in maintaining community guidelines, approving posts, and ensuring that discussions remain respectful and relevant. Together, this team fosters an environment where members can actively participate in film-related discussions and activities.

References

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecinemapeople