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\n\tThe first trailer for \u201cSpying Stars<\/a>,\u201d the latest feature from acclaimed Sri Lankan filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara<\/a>, has been unveiled ahead of its world premiere in competition at the 30th Busan International Film Festival<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tThe sci-fi drama, a France\/India\/Sri Lanka co-production, follows scientist Anandi as she visits Hanuman Island to perform last rites for her father. Set in a dystopian future plagued by \u201cIllvibe\u201d \u2014 a pandemic caused by machine dominance \u2014 Anandi finds herself quarantined in a remote hotel where a mysterious star begins following her. She eventually escapes and seeks refuge with a mother and her transgender daughter.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI chose to construct \u2018Illvibe,\u2019 a disease of the future that finds its origins in technology and devices to narrate a film of loss and mourning, an existential common experience of all mankind of today and in future,\u201d Jayasundara says in his director\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n \n\tThe film stars Indira Tiwari, Hidaayath Hazeer, Saumya Liyanage, Samanalee Fonseka, Shreepura Mithra, and Kaushalya Fernando. Eeshit Narain serves as director of photography, with music by Alokananda Dasgupta.<\/p>\n \n\tJayasundara has established himself as a major voice in international cinema, notably winning the Cam\u00e9ra d\u2019Or at Cannes for his debut feature \u201cThe Forsaken Land\u201d (2004). His subsequent films including \u201cBetween Two Worlds\u201d (2009) have screened at prestigious festivals including Cannes, Venice, Locarno, and Toronto.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201c\u2018Spying Stars\u2019 is a liberation film that is spiritual in nature,\u201d the director explains. \u201cIt asks one question: in a time of pervasive voyeurism and technological control, how do we retain our humanity?\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe film is presented by House on Fire, Eleenora Images, and Film Council Production, with world sales handled by Bangkok-based Diversion. BIFF runs September 17-26.<\/p>\n Watch the trailer here:<\/p>\n