Documentary Screenings & Panel Discussion Papara Klang

Papara music is the heartbeat of Sri Lankan celebrations—an energetic and improvisational brass-band tradition that fuses Sinhala, Tamil, and Western influences into a high-energy sound. What makes Papara truly unique is that it’s often passed down from generation to generation – from father to son. Many Papara musicians do not read musical notation, instead, they master their craft by listening and memorizing. 

Yet, despite its cultural significance, Papara remains an underexplored genre, with little academic research or media presence documenting its evolution. The Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka is delighted to partner with researcher and musician Nuwan Gunawardhana to bridge this gap and present two documentaries followed by a panel discussion on this topic.

Papara Klang (square) © Goethe-Institut

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The Goethe-Institut opens a window on the German Language to the world. We offer German language courses and exams in over 90 countries.

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Projects


Techno Worlds

As a global phenomenon, techno has not only shaped music history, but has also set impulses that have impacted contemporary culture, art, pop culture, media consumption and technologies.

The Goethe-Institut's exhibition TECHNO WORLDS approaches this multi-layered phenomenon through the works of international artists. The exhibition will be on display at Rio Hotel & Cinema Complex in Colombo from 13 - 28 September 2024. The Colombo display of TECHNO WORLDS will feature an additional section on the history of Pettah Interchange (2012 -2016) in Sri Lanka.

Techno Worlds (key visual square no logo) © Goethe-Institut

Knowledge Through Entertainment
Science Film Festival

In 2024, Sri Lanka is celebrating the 7th year of Science Film Festival. The Science Film Festival 2024 will center on the theme of Net Zero and the Circular Economy.
 

Science Film Festival 2024 © Goethe-Institut

Kafka 2024
Being Kafka

Why does Franz Kafka’s spell remain unbroken a hundred years after his death? Is it his exquisite letters, our affection for dramatic tales, or the sense that our contemporary world has never been more Kafkaesque? The centenary of Franz Kafka's death presents a chance to delve into innovative approaches to understanding the author and his captivating oeuvre.

Kafka today © Goethe-Institut

EUNIC Project
The Routes we Take

This project aims to collect and map out local creatives, organisations and businesses whose practices center around circularity and symbiotic relationships with people and the planet.

The Routes we take - intro © Good Life X

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