Fr. Noel Cruz & The Film Society of St. Joseph’s College – Produced the 1st Schoolboy Film in Sri Lanka – Little Bike Lost (Remembering the Lens)
The launching of the book “Noel Crusz’s Little Bike Lost”
The book Noel Crusz’s Little Bike Lost: The Story of Sri Lanka’s First Schoolboy Film by Avishka Mario Senewiratne was launched on October 6, 2022 at the Auditorium of the College of Surgeons, Colombo 07. Rev. Dr. Victor Silva, who served as the 11th Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event saw the attendance of a near full-house; consisting of senior priests of the Catholic Church, Film Personalities, Josephians of yesteryear, current Josephians, professionals, historians, researchers, musicians etc. An eloquent and inspiring keynote speech was delivered by the renowned actor and social activist Peter D’Almeida. Little Bike Lost which came out in 1956 was produced by Fr. Noel Crusz OMI and the Film Society of St. Joseph’s College. Shot mainly at St. Joseph’s College and in Colombo, the film contains the oldest recovered footage of the College, its buildings, students, big matches and mundane activities.
Little Bike Lost, was re-screened after 66 years. This version was restored and re-edited by Dulhan Silva and Robert Crusz of the Tulana Media Unit. Astounded by this footage not seen for over 6 decades, the audience heartily applauded repeatedly with vigour and emotion.
Also in attendance were Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe (Rector of Aquinas College), Fr. Travis Gabriel (former Rector of St. Joseph’s College), Fr. Felician Perera (former Rector of St. Peter’s College), Fr. Noel Dias (Lecturer at the Law College), Fr. Ivan Perera (former General Manager of Catholic Schools), Fr. Gemunu Dias (General Manager of Catholic Schools), Fr. Rohan Silva OMI (Director of the Centre for Society and Religion), Fr. Reid Shelton Fernando, and Fr. Prageeth Dishan.
Among the guests were the veteran filmmaker Mrs. Sumithra Peiris, Dr. and Mrs. Gamini Goonetilleke, Lt. Commander and Mrs. Somasiri Devendra, Rajan Brito (Former Deputy Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC), Kalabooshana Maxwell Crusz (award winning puppeteer), Jerome Crusz (renowned photographer), Ramya Jirasinghe (Award winning poet and author), and Callixtus Alles (Consular General of Rwanda).
The families of the late Noel Crusz, the man behind the lens, and of some of the deceased cast and crew were among the attendees. Also, present were a number of young past Josephians and current students, who for sure were inspired to the core, while witnessing this time capsule of priceless value. Much colour and vigour were added to the launch by the performance of the young past Josephian Choir, singing a rendition of the Beatles classic Let It Be and the famous Rugby World Cup Anthem World in Union. Robert Crusz, the nephew of Noel and the coordinator of the Tulana Media Unit made a surprise speech at the end of the ceremony lauding the author for his efforts in reviving the film and the works of Noel Crusz, of revered memory.
Here’s your chance to lay hands on this piece of heritage, the book priced Rs. 2000 and the DVD of the film Little Bike Lost Priced Rs.1000 can be purchased by contacting 0766122345, 0716825955.
The book has already been sold out in Australia and a new stock is to be sent, as well as to Canada and the UK.
For orders in Australia please contact
+61 421 478 485.
