‘is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) Premiers in the UK

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) premiered ‘is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) mid-September 2024, at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund (WMF). Specially commissioned by the MMCA Sri Lanka for their previous exhibition ‘88 Acres’, this animated documentary was created by contemporary artists Irushi Tennekoon, Sumedha Kelegama, and Sumudu Athukorala.

‘Is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) delves into the work of pioneering Modernist Sri Lankan architect Minnette De Silva (1918–1998). It focuses on her Watapuluwa Housing Scheme (1958), a groundbreaking architectural initiative that provided affordable housing to a diverse community of government public servants in Sri Lanka.

The documentary interweaves animation, archival photos, film recordings, and witness testimonies to explore De Silva’s influences and the challenges of her design approach. It offers a poignant reflection on the social and political transformations in Sri Lanka since the early 1950s, as seen through the lens of this remarkable architectural project.

The film screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr Christopher Turner, the V&A’s Keeper of Art, Architecture, Photography, and Design, Sumayya Vally, architect and founder and Principal of Counterspace, and Sumedha Kelegama, architect and filmmaker. The panel discussed the significance of De Silva’s work and the collaborative efforts that brought ‘is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) to life.

“We are honoured to have the film ‘is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) showcased at the V&A,” said Sharmini Pereira, Chief Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka. She added that “Minnette De Silva’s work remains a testament to the power of architecture to shape communities and lives. This film, with its unique blend of artistic and documentary elements, offers a deep and nuanced perspective on her contributions.”

The animated documentary is supported by the British Council Digital Collaboration Fund, which fosters innovative cultural partnerships between the UK and overseas. Research and development support for the film is by Forensic Architecture, UK.

Speaking about their experience in creating the documentary, Sumedha Kelegama stated “The research process and collaborative efforts in making our film provided an incredible opportunity to learn about Minnette De Silva’s practice. However, the most meaningful interactions came when engaging with the public through the series of Artist Tours and other public programmes curated by the MMCA Sri Lanka.”

The V&A, with its mission to champion design and creativity in all its forms, was the ideal venue for this screening. The museum’s rich history of advancing cultural knowledge and inspiring makers, creators, and innovators worldwide aligns perfectly with the ethos of De Silva’s work and the film’s exploration of her legacy.