A poor but studious village girl sparks a connection with the prized son of a wealthy family in this lyrical Sri Lankan classic, now beautifully restored in digital 4K.

The groundbreaking debut film of Sumitra Peries – Sri Lanka’s first female director – is a lyrical exploration of feminine sensibility following Kusum, a poor but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family, and sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son.

The Girls was crowned the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival and arrives in a new 4K restoration from the British Film Institute.