Private Project

Deferred

Ambitious and academically successful young Sri Lankan women, who have long dreamed of studying abroad, now find themselves at crossroads due to new UK immigration policies that prevent them from bringing their spouses along. Deeply personal and emotional journey, also, Sociopolitical explanations of academics unfold how they have to navigate the harsh reality of choosing between their educational goals and their familial bonds.

  • Lanka Bandaranayake
    Director
    Sri Lankan Women Peacebuilders (2023), The Delivery (2021), Demon (2021), Inheritance (2020), Tradition (2016)
  • Lanka Bandaranayake
    Writer
    Sri Lankan Women Peacebuilders (2023), The Delivery (2021), Demon (2021), Inheritance (2020), Tradition (2016)
  • Lanka Bandaranayake
    Producer
    Sri Lankan Women Peacebuilders (2023), The Delivery (2021), Demon (2021), Inheritance (2020), Tradition (2016)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 28, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Sri Lanka
  • Country of Filming:
    Sri Lanka
  • Language:
    English, Sinhala
  • Shooting Format:
    4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Distribution Information
  • Lanka Cine (PVT) Ltd
    Distributor
    Country: Sri Lanka
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Lanka Bandaranayake

Lanka Bandaranayke is an award-winning filmmaker and scholar from Sri Lanka. She is also the Founder and CEO of Lanka Cine (PVT) Ltd, known for producing acclaimed films and a social entrepreneur who empowers women behind the camera and gender equality through media, research, and education.
Lanka's short films are screened globally and have won awards. She partnered with organisations like the British Council Sri Lanka and several UK universities for documentary collaborations. She participated in film development programs like the Film Independent-Global Media Makers 2022 in the USA and Saari Residence 2024 in Finland.
Lanka is a Chevening Scholar, recognized for her leadership and academic achievements. She is also the South Asian industry partner for the Developing Media Decolonisation Imaginary (DMDI) research at Bournemouth University in the UK and the Country Chair for Sri Lanka in the Arts Leadership and Films win of the G100 Global Women Leaders collection

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Deferred" discusses about young Sri Lankan women whose dreams of higher education in the UK were shattered by new immigration laws banning spouse visas. The film documents their personal setbacks while exposing how these policies stem from colonial-era systems. It highlights ongoing global inequalities, particularly gender and class barriers, through raw, personal accounts.
Rather than just capturing their struggles, "Deferred" focuses on their resilience, pushing viewers to question unfair systems. The film doesn’t just tell their stories; it demands action, challenging post-colonial power structures that still limit opportunities. Its goal is simple: a fairer system where no one’s future is derailed by unjust rules.