(+035) 527-1710-70
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Breaking the long-held silence surrounding men’s mental health, young filmmaker Amandha Amarasekara has released his latest short film, ‘Fragments of Men’, a poignant social drama that challenges the enduring belief that ‘men don’t cry. Released on social media last week, the film explores the hidden emotional struggles faced by many men in today’s digitally connected yet emotionally isolated world, while encouraging open conversations about vulnerability, healing and the importance of seeking help.
“Fragments of Men’ is about the mental health struggles faced by men in Sri Lanka. Society often tells us that ‘men don’t cry’, but that simply isn’t true. Many men cry in silence, behind closed doors, carrying emotional burdens they feel unable to share. Through this film, I wanted to challenge that stereotype, encourage honest conversations, and create a platform, where men feel safe to express their emotions and seek the help they need’ said director and producer Amandha Amarasekara.
‘Fragments of Men’ unfolds through five interconnected stories, each portraying a different man grappling with emotional and social pressures. One character is quietly humiliated by his former friends over his career and financial status, while another descends into toxic online communities following a romantic rejection. A third story follows a married man who visits a spa, not in search of an affair, but simply because he has no one with whom he can share his feelings. The film also examines the darker consequences of emotional isolation, as one rejected man resorts to creating and circulating a AI created fake explicit image of a woman he knows, highlighting the destructive impact of unresolved pain and loneliness.
The five seemingly unrelated stories eventually converge at a men’s support circle, where the characters openly share the emotional burdens they have carried in silence, reinforcing the film’s central message that talking can save lives.
Rather than portraying its characters as simply good or bad, ‘Fragments of Men’ explores how everyday pressures, financial hardship, rejection, the expectation to be the family provider, and the social stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability, can gradually build up, leading to personal suffering or causing harm to others. One of the film’s most compelling storylines examines the devastating consequences of an AI-generated deepfake targeting a schoolgirl, highlighting the real-life impact of digital abuse.
‘Fragments of Men’ is the third instalment in director Amandha Amarasekara’s ongoing series focusing on men’s mental health. The project is closely connected to the Sunday Circle, a men’s support group in Colombo in which the filmmaker is actively involved, making the film part of a broader awareness campaign aimed at encouraging men to seek support, speak openly about their struggles and break the silence surrounding mental health.
The film features a diverse cast, including actors Dinuli Mendis, Chamath Perera, Reshalee and Chethana Ketagoda, who volunteered their voices to bring this project to life.
Searching for that next furry family member but couldn’t find one in your area? Hitad.lk has the solution with our extensive listings of dogs for sale in Sri Lanka!
