Lanka’s Joshua Alailima, 20 year old filmmaker breaks into Hollywood

Production has officially begun on Missing Threads, marking it the first time a Sri Lankan production has been aimed first and foremost at an American audience. On Tuesday the 7 of July, a dinner was held bringing together the cast, crew, funders, and friends and family to mark the occasion.

The evening opened with guests arriving to chatter and press photography. Talavou Alailima opened proceedings, and a selection of director Joshua Alailima's previous films were screened between speeches from key figures behind the production. The night closed with a large buffet and the signing of contracts.

"Missing Threads" is an investigative crime thriller compared to films such as Zodiac and Se7en. The film follows journalist Maya Perera as she unravels a string of lies all tying back to the mega corporation Verdeon, leading to a far more sinister truth about the internal affairs of the country at large.

This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka. It is the first time a Sri Lankan film has targeted primarily the USA Hollywood audience. This will further foreign relations, opening the door to industry expansion and significant economic potential.

Missing Threads brings together a standout cast of actors including Kaushalya Fernando (The Forsaken Land), Buddika Jayaratne (Sunny's Mansion), Dharmapriya Dias (Machan), and Shyam Fernando (Paradise). It is led by international Sri Lankan actress Rebecca Munasinghe and leading social media influencer "Neesh." Missing Threads is produced by Talavou Alailima, founder of Power World Gyms and Edge Nutrition.

Director Joshua Alailima is currently studying at one of the top film universities in America, Biola University, whose alumni network includes Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson and world famous influencer Zach King.

Joshua has been directing since he was a young teenager. He is now 20 and directing his feature debut, a rare feat by Hollywood industry standards.

Missing Threads brings in an international crew, with people from the USA, Sri Lanka, and Australia flying in to work on the project. Post production will take place in Sri Lanka, India, and the USA. The film is shot on the Arri Alexa LF, the same camera used for the movie Dune. It is the only one currently in Sri Lanka.

Picture: Missing Threads cast