An Analysis of the Representation of Epilepsy in Pramod Rathnayake’s Short Film Natta (2019)

Abstract

This study explores the representation of epilepsy in the Sri Lankan short film Natta (2019) by Pramod Rathnayake. Epilepsy is a neurological disease that may lead to unconsciousness. Epilepsy is also a disability. A disability is distinguished from an illness in that the former is understood as created due to socio-cultural factors that could lead to marginalization of individuals with certain medical conditions. Although the condition of epilepsy has been understood and analyzed from a medical perspective, the human experience of epilepsy has not received much attention, especially in Sri Lanka. In this context, the short film Natta fulfills the role of portraying the dayto- day experiences of an individual with epilepsy named Samantha, from the first-person point of view. The film visually represents some symptoms of epilepsy and sheds light on how superstitious beliefs and misinformation about this condition hinder Samantha from successfully medically controlling his epilepsy. The impact of epilepsy on an individual’s employment opportunities and ability to drive a vehicle too are highlighted in the short film. While these are the strengths of the short film, Natta equates the epilepsy condition in a person to something inherently wrong or lacking in a person. Also, the film ignores the social stigmatization of epilepsy patients and indirectly blames people with epilepsy for marginalizing themselves. Finally, through the portrayal of the character of Sugandika, Samantha’s wife, the short film fails to acknowledge the role that family members or informal caregivers play in the process of looking after patients with epilepsy. Therefore, based on this content analysis of Pramod Rathnayake’s short film, it could be concluded that similar short films would be helpful in giving voice to the daily, personal experiences of people with epilepsy. However, such representations should not avoid blaming patients with epilepsy for their condition and social isolation but should be understanding and inclusive of the social pressure and stigmatization encountered by people with epilepsy.