Private Project

Colours are Dark this Season

After a turbulent, yet very productive life, 93-year-old Sri Lankan artist and designer, Barbara Sansoni, reflects upon her past. She was educated by nuns in India, introduced to Maria Montessori after discovering that she was dyslexic, accidentally founded a renowned design company and changed the aesthetic of an island. Barbara thinks she will miss drawing most of all when she dies, but after spending a bit of time with her and Ronald Lewcock, her partner of 50 years and a renowned scholar in his own right, it becomes clear that it's not only art that defined her life.

  • Ryan W Daniels
    Director
  • Ryan W Daniels
    Writer
  • Barbara Sansoni
    Key Cast
  • Ronald Lewcock
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Bio, Documentary, Art
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 10 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 11, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Sri Lanka
  • Country of Filming:
    Sri Lanka
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Ryan W Daniels

Ryan W Daniels is a multidisciplinary artist. Professionally trained as a documentary stills photographer, he eventually found his way to documentary film making and loves the medium's potential for art and authenticity.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My goal for this film was by no means to make an end-all be-all biography of Barbara Sansoni. There was a lot of important stuff I ended up leaving out. In fact, I still learn new amazing things even after 2 years of shooting.

I just wanted to share the joy getting to know Barbara and Ron. Their relationship alone is inspirational and entertaining; but even as individuals they have both led full lives and offer a glimpse at how one might live a “wild and wicked life” while also contributing to a greater good.