The Sri Lankan film industry began with the release of the first-ever Sinhala talkie, "Lo Wimme," in 1939. However, it was the 1940s-1960s that saw the emergence of a school of filmmakers who would shape the country's cinematic identity. Directors like Lester James Peries, Tissa Liyanasuriya, and Sunil Ariyaratne pioneered the industry, producing films that explored themes of social issues, culture, and politics.